Conversation so far:
When did Nicklas Lidström retire?
On 31 May 2012, Nicklas Lidström announced his retirement from the NHL
Why did Nicklas Lidström retire?
What did Nicklas Lidström do after retiring?
The following weekend, Lidström 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.

Question: was he considered successful?
Self-contained rewrite: Was Nicklas Lidström considered successful?