Thread: Rafalski hangs em up

Didn't see that one coming. Congrats on a great career.

Heading into the offseason, some thought the Red Wings defence corps would be hurt by a retirement. Not many expected that defenceman to be Brian Rafalski.


While 41-year-old Nicklas Lidstrom ponders his NHL future, sources confirm the 37-year-old Rafalski is retiring with one year remaining on his contract at $6 million.


Because Rafalaski was not yet 35 when he signed as a free agent in 2007, his salary for the upcoming season will not count against the Red Wings' salary cap.


This season, Rafalaski scored four goals and added 44 assists for 48 points in 63 games.


He leaves the game with three Stanley Cup rings, two Olympic silver medals and three NHL All-Star Game appearances.

Red Wings defenceman Rafalski set to retire

ya, my first thought when i saw your thread title was "whoa..." i didn't see it coming either.

That's a shame. He was a helluva good Devil and has been missed since he left. He has had a LOT of injuries in his stint with Detroit though, including/not limited to back problems. I wish him well. Pretty good career for a guy who had to go to Switzerland to get noticed.

wow, I did not see that coming. congrats to him on a great career and I hope he enjoys retirement!

dammit. all the good ones are retiring

Watching Recchi in p/o's, I wouldn't be surprised if he decided to ride off into the sunset with Rafalski and possibly Weight.

He's only 38 and had 44 points in only 63 games last season.
Says injuries are the reason.
Played without an ACL in the playoffs.
Still plays like a 20-something.

Maybe he makes a brief comeback after healing up.

Maybe Detroit gives Doughty an offer sheet, considering Rafalski's hit was $6M.

thats great for Detroit clears 6mill in cap space wow. Now they can throw an offer sheet at weber

Well, more cap space should bee dandy... Anyways liked him, one of the best pure puck moving defensman in the NHL and a PP beast.


Food for a thought (2010/2011):
Rafalski:
63GP 4G 44A 48Pts +11
Penner:
81GP 23G 22A 45Pts -12