Erik Nicklas Lidstrom (pronounced ['nIklas 2li:dstroem]; born 28 April 1970) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Detroit Red Wings, which he captained for the final six seasons of his career. He is widely regarded to be one of the greatest defensemen in NHL history. Over his 20 NHL seasons, Lidstrom won four Stanley Cup championships, seven James Norris Memorial Trophies (awarded to the NHL's top defenceman), one Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP, and was voted into 12 NHL All-Star Games. The Red Wings never missed the postseason during his career, the longest in league history for a player never missing the playoffs.
Retirement
On 31 May 2012, Lidstrom announced his retirement from the NHL via a press conference with Red Wings Owner Mike Ilitch and General Manager Ken Holland present. The night before, he told the Swedish tabloid Expressen, "I came to the decision last week and I informed our general manager, Ken Holland." Discussing Lidstrom's retirement, former teammate Steve Yzerman described Lidstrom as "one of the all-time best defencemen to ever play." Paul Coffey said, "he was an incredible player" while Chris Chelios said, "There's been guys who are great players, but no one's better than Nick. As good? Yes. But this is as big as it gets. He's one of the best athletes ever and...if you're going to talk about someone who's perfect, Nick's pretty darn close to being perfect." Washington Capitals defenceman John Carlson described Lidstrom as "one of the game's all-time greats on and off the ice." Ken Holland stated his belief that Lidstrom was "the most valuable player of his era."  The following weekend, on 3 June 2012, Lidstrom and his wife took out a full-page ad giving thanks to the city of Detroit for making his family feel at home for the past 21 years. On 8 July 2012, Lidstrom was named a scout for the Red Wings.  On 28 February 2014, Lidstrom was inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.  During the 2013-14 season, Lidstrom had his number 5 jersey retired by the Red Wings. Initially, ceremonies were planned for the previous season, on 5 February 2013 -- however, the lockout had made it hard to determine when Lidstrom would able to attend the ceremony. The Red Wings officially retired his number on 6 March 2014, in a pre-game ceremony at Joe Louis Arena.

Q: when did he retire?
A: On 31 May 2012, Lidstrom announced his retirement from the NHL

Q: why did he retire?
A: unknown

Q: what did he do after retiring?
A: On 8 July 2012, Lidstrom was named a scout for the Red Wings.
was he considered successful?
Washington Capitals defenceman John Carlson described Lidstrom as "one of the game's all-time greats on and off the ice."
Washington Capitals defenceman John Carlson described Lidstrom as "one of the game's all-time greats on and off the ice."