Lidstrom Sees Inner Drive to Improve From Red Wings Seider

While you’ve been enjoying the Stanley Cup final, Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider has been doing his homework in front of the TV.

He’s been watching Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche, seeking to unlock some secrets of Makar’s game.

“I think lateral movement on the blueline is a key to be successful as a defenseman,” Seider said. “If you see Makar doing that in the Stanley Cup playoffs, it’s pretty fun to see. You want to be up there, too one day.

“That’s one point of the game I’m working on.”

A sand-sational Rookie of the Year. 😉

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It’s also a point that those in charge of the Red Wings believe will assure that Calder Trophy winner Seider’s learning curve and improvement as an NHLer will only continue to trend upward. He shares a trait that all elite players possess.

Talent? Well, yeah but there’s something else that keeps the best on top. It’s that desire, that inner belief that as good as they might be, they can always find a way to be better.

Seider Striving to Improve

“He’s got the right attitude,” Red Wings vice-president of hockey operations Nicklas Lidstrom said. “I saw him play in Sweden the year before and I saw the same things. When he was playing as a junior player, he was one of the best players in the Swedish League two years ago.

“He took steps to become the rookie of the year this season. I’m really looking forward to what he can accomplish down the road.

“He’s got that great attitude of wanting to be better, wanting to become better, wanting to learn from other players. I’m really anxious to see what he can do for the Wings.”

First All-Rookie Team Duo Since 1991-92

Seider and Detroit forward Lucas Raymond were the first Red Wings teammates named to the NHL All-Rookie Team since Lidstrom and fellow defenseman Vladimir Konstantinov in 1991-92.

“I do remember that,” Lidstrom said. “I remember being in Toronto for the awards show and everything. Both Vladdy and had real solid rookie seasons, so we were felt very happy that we reached that in our first season.”

Lidstrom collected a club rookie record 49 assists and 60 points that season. He finished runner-up in the Calder Trophy voting to Pavel Bure of the Vancouver Canucks.

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“I was up against Pavel Bure who had a great season his rookie season as well, so it was a tough task,” Lidstrom said. “I’m really happy for Moritz that we were finally able to win the Calder Trophy.”

Lidstrom is confident that Seider is only scratching the surface of how dominant an NHLer he can become.

“Just the way he played – and it’s a tough position to play, a defenseman coming in your first year in the league,” Lidstrom listed as to his reason for feeling Seider will only get better. “He had a great first year, a great rookie campaign.

“It’s been fun to watch him play and I see a lot of upside for him down the road.”