Here are a couple of questions regarding Lidstrom.
1) Can he reach Doug Harvey's 7 Norris Trophies?
2) Can he actually become the 2nd best defenseman alltime? (after Orr)
3) Can he become the best european player ever in the NHL
1) Can he? yes. Will he? I'm doubtful.
2) He'd need at least 2 Harts before I'd even concider it. But, it's not as far out of the realm of possibility as some think, Lidstrom will likely prove the player of the decade, and Orr in the 70's and Shore in the 30's are the only other defenceman to have that honour. But, with Shore's 4 Harts, I really think 3rd is the best Lidstrom could achieve.
3) Maybe, Hasek is, IMO, the player of the 90's, and if Lidstrom is the player of the 00's, then they'd be competing for that title. Personally, I favour Hasek.
IMO, Lidstrom is making a serious charge for the top 5, he's on par with Robinson and Kelly, but could strike at Bourque and Potvin.