He has won seven Norris Trophys, the prize that goes to the NHL and thus the world's best fullback.

He has an Olympic gold and four Stanley Cup titles.

Now the legend is stepping into Detroit, the club he spent his entire 20-year career in, as a leader.

He has previously had assignments as a consultant for Tre Kronor's World Cup team and got a taste of the leadership role off the ice then.

The new role is described as a free role in midfield.

He will have a finger in all the jam jars.

- We have had contact for a long time.

Me and "Stevie" (current Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman, editor's note).

Rickard Grönborg and I (former national team captain for Tre Kronor, editor's note) met Yzerman in Tampa and have since had some contact.

- In Toronto then it became concrete and the idea is that I will learn management from scratch.

It will be scouting and development.

Both undrafted but also drafted players that I will map.

"Give feedback"

Lidström has been given a role where he will also be involved with coaching coaches and leaders in the NHL team.

A great influence awaits the 51-year-old immediately.

- I will be on site a lot in Detroit as well and provide feedback to players and leaders.

I can see the game in a good way and think I have a pretty good hockey eye.

- The idea is that I will do a bit of the same thing as Yzerman did.

Teach me the organization.

Can the general manager be an attractive role in the future?

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I honestly have not even thought about it.

The management team is full of big players

Lidström sees the whole thing as a big challenge and his contract is written for 18 months.

- It will be a challenge.

A wonderful challenge.

There is talent in the organization, but it is important to get all the talent to develop and take steps.

- The idea is that I will have a relationship with the players and close contact, but we also have Niklas Kronwall who takes care of that part.

Kronwall, Maltby, Draper and Yzerman.

Detroit's management team is crowded with old big players, which is one of the reasons why Lidström is jumping on this initiative.

- There are people who know each other who we all know work hard.

We also know each other's personalities, who are all different but contribute to a strong team.

- It's great fun to be back and be able to help in some way.