"I've been taking my time and I haven't really gotten to that process yet," Lidstrom told the News. "I haven't really gotten any closer to a decision."
The veteran defenseman had a discussion with Wings GM Ken Holland during exit interviews and is expected to touch base when Holland returns from the World Championships, which ends Sunday.
"I understand they want to know so they can plan for free agency and the draft," Lidstrom said.
Holland, who would more than likely prefer to have a decision by mid-June, refuses to rush his captain, though he would love for him to return to the lineup.
"We'll give Nick the time he needs," Holland said. "Obviously we'd like to have him back."
Although Lidstrom has been working out on a regular basis, he quickly denied that it was a sign that he was leaning towards returning.
"I would be doing that anyway," Lidstrom said. "Look at Cheli (Chris Chelios), he's still working out. Maybe he wants to come back."
Lidstrom was sidelined for a month this season with a deep right ankle bruise that appeared to bother him during the five-game playoff series loss to the Nashville Predators, in which he didn't register a point.
In 70 regular-season games, Lidstrom tallied 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points, and had a plus-21 rating.
