http://www.mlive.com/redwings/index.ssf/2010/11/red_wings_veteran_nicklas_lids.html at the end of the article: Someone jokingly asked if Lidstrom would play as long as Gordie Howe, who retired at 52. "I wouldn't say Gordie," Babcock said. "I think with this group right now we have a two-year window for sure. And a big part of that is (Lidstrom) playing two years."