Detroit Red Wings legend Nicklas Lidstrom undergoes life-changing surgery

Nicklas Lidstrom hasn't suited up for the Red Wings in almost 13 years, but at the IIHF, we saw him in a sling.

The former Red Wings defenseman underwent shoulder surgery, which had the retired defenseman explaining to reporters that it was an old injury he aggravated and had to get repaired.

The defenseman in Avicii Arena, when asked by Sportsbladet reporters:

Seeing Lidstrom in a sling, as a retired hockey player, isn't something you'd expect. And given his Iron Man status as an NHL player, it certainly shatters the myth-making we surround players with year in and year out.

Nicklas Lidstrom told Sportbladet that he'd have the sling removed in two more weeks, after having the surgery a month ago.

Considered by many to be the perfect hockey player, as a defenseman who had a high hockey IQ and never made mistakes in his own zone, he's in fact human.

Even in spite of his winning several Norris Trophies, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and Four Stanley Cup's the myth-making around sports players, including Lidstrom rivals, even greek tales of heroism.

Lidstrom would put on a masterful 20-year career in the NHL, playing only for the Detroit Red Wings.

Lidstrom played a total of 1,564 games and scored a total of 1,142 points (264 goals, 878 assists) for the Red Wings.