Brian Rafalski announces retirement after 11 NHL seasons

[wingnut40 176]

I love the verse he used. I was expecting Jeremiah 29:11, but Romans 8:28 is great too.

Such a normal and down to earth guy. And I'll always remember the time when he body slammed Lee Stempniak I'll definitely miss him. Good luck and God bless, Raffy!

[Majsheppard 203]

I say we take Andy Greene and a Wiz or Bieksa and look to make a bigger splash with trades later on while attempting a one year offersheet on Webber.

Andy Greene is the closest thing to Raf in the league, yet would be a third paring type.

[P. Marlowe 748]

And I'll always remember the time when he body slammed Lee Stempniak

[xtrememachine1 795]

Great retirement speech. I had no idea he was so spiritual, but it was nice to hear. We're really going to miss him, but at least we were lucky enough have had him on our team for the last 4 years. Good luck Raffy!

[wingnut40 176]

YES!!! My head was exploding when that happened, I could not believe that RAFFY of all people did that! It was SO awesome.

[drwscc 212]

YES!!! My head was exploding when that happened, I could not believe that RAFFY of all people did that! It was SO awesome.

That video just made me miss Downey. The Wings need to get him back. A smart fighter who knows his role and is happy to play it.

[Konnan511 1,736]

I Lol'd at this quote from the Freep:

Rafalski, 37, had one season at $6 million left on the five-year deal he signed with the Wings in the summer of 2007. General manager Ken Holland said he’ll convene with his scouting staff in mid-June to discuss how to fill the hole; options include potential unrestricted free agents such as Kevin Bieksa, Ed Jovanovski, Joni Pitkanen, Sami Salo, James Wisniewski, Eric Brewer, Tomas Kaberle, Christian Ehrhoff, Bryan McCabe and Roman Hamrlik.

They must just read LGW and our discussions

[HankthaTank 1,100]

They must just read LGW and our discussions

Eklund said blueadams line combos have an E5 chance at happening...

[Wings3:16 318]

That video just made me miss Downey. The Wings need to get him back. A smart fighter who knows his role and is happy to play it.

Pretty sure he retired and is working for Grand Rapids.

[Aussie_Wing 354]

I never knew how classy Rafalski was until now. What a great, great man.

I feel bad for giving you a bit of stick over the journy, but I enjoyed having you be a part of this team for so long.

Enjoy your future Rafi.

Edited May 25, 2011 by Aussie_Wing

[St. Michael (the Red Wing) 422]

Real classy indeed. Much respect for Brian and best of luck to him and his family. Wishing him all the best and thanks for coming to the Wings and for some unforgettable memories.

[HankthaTank 1,100]

[e_prime 1,936]

I say we take Andy Greene and a Wiz or Bieksa and look to make a bigger splash with trades later on while attempting a one year offersheet on Webber.

Andy Greene is the closest thing to Raf in the league, yet would be a third paring type.

2011/04/27: Andy Greene is willing to sign with the New Jersey Devils before he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1st. "This is the choice. This is where I want to be," Greene said. "If there is an offer there that is good and I felt was right, I'd definitely take it. I'm not dragging my feet waiting for July 1st. We'll let it play out." Devils GM Lou Lamoriello wants to re-sign Greene, so we wouldn't be surprised if the two sides come to an agreement. (Source: New Jersey Online)

Not so sure that the Devils will let another puck moving defenseman slip away to the Wings.

Edited May 25, 2011 by e_prime

[haroldsnepsts 4,826]

Definitely a class act. And a great story of a guy who took the long road to the NHL and had a tremendous career.

His retirement speech is also a good reminder that, though it's hard to believe, there actually are things in life more important than hockey.

[Hockey13Playa 240]

Does anyone know if there is some kind of link of some sort to re-watch the press conference? I was un-able to see it and would really like to watch it!

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Just some minor things to consider about the man:

“When you saw what he went through the last few years, it’s pretty hard to keep playing,” Wings coach Mike Babcock said.

We do cut into players quick, but maybe just maybe there is always more to the story.

[winger30 20]

Very sad day he will be missed!

[Jusek 437]

Played in Finnish Elite League, too.

[Hockeytown0001 7,652]

Thanks for everything, Raffy. We'll miss you.

[FireCaptain 563]

http://video.redwings.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=115669&catid=-6

Does anyone know if there is some kind of link of some sort to re-watch the press conference? I was un-able to see it and would really like to watch it!

[Red Wings Addict 787]

He's thanked and mentioned Nicklas Lidström at least five times.

He did? I didn't hear it from the speech and q&a session on Red Wings TV online.

EDIT: Oh wait... I think I get it? He thanked God many times and Nick Lidstrom is God? I see what you did there?

Edited May 25, 2011 by Red Wings Addict

[plopster 136]

http://cgi.ebay.com/BRIAN-RAFALSKI-TEAM-USA-SIGNED-JERSEY-RED-WINGS-JSA-/360287698411?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53e2d1fdeb#ht_10320wt_689

My tribute to Rafi. Only real one I could find. All the others online are knockoffs. You can tell because the blue on the shoulders goes down under the name. I wanted the white one but the blue is good too. Too bad Nike isn't selling these anymore.

[Gordie Howe hat trick 110]

Wow his wife is a hottie too.

[Nightfall 871]

You're right, no comparison. Rafalski is 38, Wisniewski is 27. Rafalski is winding down/ending his career. Wis is just hitting his prime.

One good season is a start. The Wings could sign him and then he is an underachiever. The point is we won't know the long term ramifications, and comparing the two really is impossible to do. We are talking about one player who has had proven success versus another player who had one good season. I think Wisniewski is worth a signing at his age. He could very well be an excellent defenseman. I just worry that he is the later, and the Wings fans on this forum have little tolerance for the later.

[dat's sick 1,002]

I've been sort of staying away from hockey since Game 7, so I completely missed this. Wow. What a shocker. I knew he went through injuries the last few seasons and didn't look at all himself during the playoffs, but still I was 100% convinced he'd be back next year. He was the best d-man in the Olympics just a year ago and even this season he had some great stretches.

Very sad to see him go, loved seeing him play next to Lidstrom. He wasn't perfect, but he was a great fit for Detroit and just a great puck-handler. His career is a great story and I wish him all the best in whatever he chooses to do after hockey.