Red Wings’ New Captain to be Announced on Opening Night

The Detroit Red Wings will announce Steve Yzerman’s successor as captain of the team on October 5, head coach Mike Babcock revealed on Thursday.

“We’re going to name a captain opening night.”

The Detroit Free Press and Detroit News are already referring to defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom as the team’s captain. Babcock previously denied that report but few doubt that the defending Norris Trophy-winner will be named Yzerman’s replacement.

Yzerman retired on July 3 as the longest-serving captain in NHL history. He was named Detroit’s captain for the 1986-87 season, his third of 22 years with the team.

The Red Wings open their season at home against the Vancouver Canucks.