Lidstrom succeeds Steve Yzerman, who wore the "C" for Detroit for the last 19 seasons before retiring in July. In his 16 seasons with the Red Wings, the 36-year-old Lidstrom has won three Stanley Cups, four Norris Trophies and the Conn Smythe Trophy as MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs in 2002.
He received a standing ovation from the crowd at Joe Louis Arena when he was introduced Thursday. The ceremonial face-off featured Vancouver captain Markus Naslund, Lidstrom and Yzerman, who last month was named a Red Wings vice president.
Lidstrom is the first European captain in franchise history.