528 replies to this topic

[MacK_Attack]

Sportsnet's Nick Kypreos just tweeted that Brian Rafalski will retire this week.

In a surprise if not shocking move sources tell Sportsnet the #RedWings will announce retirement of D Brian Rafalski as early as this week.

http://twitter.com/#!/RealKyper/status/72770206837121024

[Jesusberg]

Wow.


"In a surprise if not shocking move sources tell Sportsnet the #RedWings will announce retirement of D Brian Rafalski as early as this week."
Per Nick Kypreos

Edit: Mack had his first.

Edited by Jesusberg, 23 May 2011 - 04:14 PM.

[HankthaTank]

WTF happened?!?!

[CaliWingsNut]

Wow... that'll free up some cap space, wonder what brought this on.

I hope Kenny has some ideas for Defense.

[Octopus's Garden]

Some cap space? That frees up a ton of cap space. Could be a real good thing ... except them to definitely bring Big Rig back then.

[achildr1]

Um, wow, WTH. Our offseason just got a heck of a lot trickier.

[redwingcapt]

too bad Holland just was interviewed talking about having rafalski back...?

[MacK_Attack]

More from Kypreos:

Injuries the main reason #Redwings Rafalski shuts down a great career. He played throughout the play-offs without a ACL in his knee.

[wingsownnhl43]

My only concern is that this affects Nick's decision. As much heat as Rafalski gets around here, it would be devastating to lose both this offseason.

[HankthaTank]

6 mill off the books is great but pretty crappy ending for him as well. I am guessing his knees just couldn't take much more. We have to see what develops from this but loved having Raf for the past few seasons, but this is a move I didn't see coming whatsoever.

My only concern is that this affects Nick's decision. As much heat as Rafalski gets around here, it would be devastating to lose both this offseason.

Umm, an aging Rafalski who could barely skate in his own zone and was more around for his puck controlling holds little comparison to the Norris candidate Lidstrom. Just sayin' here.

[wings1wings1]

Just heard EJ on NHL Live (NHL Network) was quoting Rogers Sportsnet that Rafalski is going to announce his retirement soon!! He said it's pretty reliable source. Thoughts/reactions?

[LeftWinger]

Wow, tricky is right! Not only do we need to get better than Salei and Ericsson, so we need to find a top 4 d-man? Well, at least it opens up $6M more! OF course now Lidstrom can sign a contract for about $5M, since he will STILL be the highest paid d-man on the Wings!

Lidstrom - Stuart
Kronwall - ??????
Kindl - ?????????
??????

Yikes!

[Casey]

My only concern is that this affects Nick's decision. As much heat as Rafalski gets around here, it would be devastating to lose both this offseason.

By the same Twitter feed, Rafalski leaving basically locks in Lidstrom's return.

[radekas]

RealKyper
Injuries the main reason #Redwings Rafalski shuts down a great career. He played throughout the play-offs without a ACL in his knee.

Holy s***. Kenny will have something to do this offseason, after all .

Edited by radekas, 23 May 2011 - 04:24 PM.

[CaliWingsNut]

6 mill off the books is great but pretty crappy ending for him as well. I am guessing his knees just couldn't take much more. We have to see what develops from this but loved having Raf for the past few seasons, but this is a move I didn't see coming whatsoever.

I'm pretty shocked too... I totally just assumed he would be back.
The more I think about it however the more it makes sense. His knee was done, his back going...

[HankthaTank]

And also realizing you aren't comparing them as players but I can't see one decision affecting the other. This in fact frees up a s*** ton of cap space to do many different things.

[wingsownnhl43]

6 mill off the books is great but pretty crappy ending for him as well. I am guessing his knees just couldn't take much more. We have to see what develops from this but loved having Raf for the past few seasons, but this is a move I didn't see coming whatsoever.


Umm, an aging Rafalski who could barely skate in his own zone and was more around for his puck controlling holds little comparison to the Norris candidate Lidstrom. Just sayin' here.

Did I compare them? Re-read what I wrote. Of course Rafalski doesnt compare to Nick. Just pointing out the fact that losing both Lidstrom and Rafalski in one offseason would be a huge blow.

[redwingcapt]

i read his twitter feed. i want to know his sources.

[InKennyWeTrust]

Holy s***! Now what?

[CaliWingsNut]

I think going after Weber is a great idea. Especially now.

I know people will say that the Preds will match anything. However what does it hurt to make them pay more to keep him, if we can't have him?