Red Wings executive VP of Hockey Operations Nicklas Lidstrom was in Prague to take in the “NHL Global Series” between the Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils, and he spoke with NHL.com/sv’s Peter Ekholm about the experience. What follows is roughly translated from Swedish:
Why are you here in Prague?
“The NHL is back in Europe, and it’s also with two teams that are in our Eastern Conference. I’m excited to have NHL hockey back in Europe again, really.”
The team that’s not here that you know well is your Detroit Red Wings. Lucas Raymond has just signed a new long-term contract. What do you think that the future looks like for the team, and what do you think about the current situation, and what he can contribute?
“I think that we have a very bright future. We are pleased that we’ve signed both Raymond and Moritz Seider to long-term contracts. Lucas had a very good second half of last season. And when we had injuries to our forwards, Lucas stepped up for us. We expect him to bring that into this season.”
What do you think of the Swedish players who are here? Jacob Markstrom in particular, what do you think that he can bring to the Devils? And Rasmus Dahlin, who is in his first season as [Buffalo’s] captain?
“Markstrom had a great first game yesterday [Friday night]. He was really standing on his head. They got a goal on him late in the 3rd, but I think that he played very well for the Devils. Jesper Bratt is another player who I’m impressed with. He works hard, he’s smart and he plays on both sides of the puck. A really stable player. Dahlin, it will be interesting to see him this season now that he is the captain. He will feel more pressure on his shoulders. But I think that he’s ready for that next step. He’s gotten better and better every year he’s been in the league, and I’m looking forward to seeing him play.”
There’s the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, a tournament in which Sweden, Finland, the U.S.A. and Canada will all participate. How do you think that the tournament will go?
“It will be an exciting tournament. Seeing the best players in the world have a chance to play against each other. Playing on the smaller rinks, like in the NHL. I’m sure that it’s going to be a fun tournament to watch.”
