DETROIT -- The Detroit Red Wings have no idea whether Nicklas Lidstrom will return for his 20th season or retire. They can only hope he comes back.

But coach Mike Babcock was encouraged to hear the 41-year-old captain continues to train like he intends to play.

"I'll give you a good report, right from my wife,'' Babcock said during Wednesday's news conference announcing Brian Rafalski's retirement. "She was at the gym yesterday and Nick was working out like crazy. She said his shirt was soaked, I was so excited to hear that, you have no idea.''

Babcock said Lidstrom right now is "on a flight to a have a little holiday with Homer (Tomas Holmstrom).''

Lidstrom has told general manager Ken Holland that he will have a decision prior to the NHL entry draft on June 24-25. Lidstrom will attend the NHL Awards Show in Las Vegas on June 22, where he is a finalist for the Norris Trophy as best defenseman (he's a six-time winner) and the Lady Byng Trophy for sportsmanship.

Holland said he crosses his fingers and toes every night before going to bed, hoping to get good news. He said he doesn't believe Rafalski's decision to retire will have any bearing on Lidstrom's decision.

"If Nick's coming back, Nick's coming back because he's got the passion to play another year,'' Holland said. "I don't think Nick's going to come back because the Detroit Red Wings have a big hole. The league is too tough, too fast, too competitive, you have to come back because you have an intense desire and determination to play hockey at the highest level. If you don't have that burning desire you're not going to be able to play at the level you want to play at.''