Lidstrom signs extension with Red Wings

DETROIT, Dec. 26 (UPI) -- Veteran NHL defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the Detroit Red Wings through the 2009-10 season.

Lidstrom, 37, is the highest scoring defenseman in franchise history and has won the Norris Trophy, symbolic of the year's best defender in the NHL, five times. His entire 16-season NHL career has been with the Red Wings.

"Nick has been the best defenseman in the world for several years," Holland said. "He's a great captain and role model who does everything right both on and off the ice. We're proud to have him continue as a Red Wing for another two years."

Lidstrom has 205 goals and 695 assists over 1,212 regular-season NHL games. He has three goals and 29 assists in 36 games this season.