Nicklas Lidstrom thinks highly of fellow Swedish defenseman Victor Hedman

Nicklas Lidstrom is a fan of countryman Victor Hedman.

The Hall of Fame defenseman, who created his legacy with the Detroit Red Wings, knew that Hedman would be a dandy before he truly made a name for himself as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

"I heard lots of great things about him before I met him through some of the scouts and people in Sweden that he had great potential and was really a gifted player that could be a top player, and I knew he was going to be a high draft pick. But my first impression was the size he had," Lidstrom told Dan Rosen of NHL.com. "Being 18 years old and having that size, that's a big advantage. But you've got to be able to handle it too."

Hedman, 24, is a serious contender for the Conn Smythe Trophy, making a big impression in the Stanley Cup Final with his spectacular play. Lidstrom believes he has the ability to become one of the best defenseman in the NHL.

"It's great to see him develop into the type of player that he had great potential of being," said Lidstrom. "He's only 24 years old too, so he hasn't even hit his prime yet and he's playing like a veteran out there. That's been really enjoyable to watch."

The Lightning defenseman has earned 14 points in 23 postseason games so far.