The Rafalski Effect On Lidstrom

[KrazyGangsta 79]

Here I was thinking about Rafalski retirement and came up with some scenario's on how Rafalski's decision could effect Lidstrom's decision.

1- Rafalski wanted to spend more time with his family. ---> (Negative) Could give Lidstrom ideas, considering his older then Rafalski and his family / kids are in Sweden which is further then Rafalski's family.

2- Rafalski didn't have any gas left in his tank (Body wise). ---> (Positive) Lidstrom has a choice to make he is fully capable of going a good 70 - 75 game season, therefore Rafalski was more forced to make the decision that he had to make.

3- Money is not the issue (let's not kid ourselves ...) ---> (Neutral) Lidstrom has made tons of millions, but an extra 5-6 million wouldn't hurt the bank nor the familly.

4- Rafalski retiring. ---> (Positive) Considering Lidstrom is probably the current face of this franchise / captain of the team he probably thinks he owes one to the team to stick around for at least one more year to help contribute considering that we lost our #2 defenseman and how it could possibly hurt the Wings if they not only lose there number 2 but also there number 1.

That's pretty much with some scenario's I came up with. You guys have any scenario's yourself that you would like to share?

Edited May 26, 2011 by KrazyGangsta

[HankthaTank 1,100]

Nick will be back, I flat out have no doubt about this. Raf just had all the factors listed. Body couldn't do it, mind was made up, and time to spend more time with family. Those are normally the key contributors.

[ogreslayer 1,069]

I think if anything, seeing Rafi retire at 37 due to injuries will push Lids to come back at least one more year. He's still healthy & playing at a Norris Trophy level. Why not keep going under those circumstances, right?

[MulesWillFly93 199]

^ That's what I think, too. He knows he's got more hockey in him, and now that we've lost our #2 guy and are facing a lot of changes next season, I bet he's going to come back to provide some stability and act as a mentor to the new guys.

[hooon 1,089]

Lidstrom: 2009-10, 82 games played; 2010-11, 82 games played.

Rafalski: 2009-10, 78 games played; 2010-11, 63 games played.

Rafalski was torn to shreds.

I know there are more important things than Hockey, especially for an aging family man who has won it all, but it just doesn't make much sense to end a career when you are perfectly healthy and still putting up award winning numbers. I think Raffi retiring makes the decision that much easier for Nick... keep playing!

[Drake_Marcus 890]

Based on this season I wouldn't say Rafalski was the #2 defenseman (overall). Kronwall's solidly claimed ownership over that. His offensive AND defensive play has grown considerably and he's the guy after Lidstrom right now. Rafalski was definitely the #2 most important guy when it came to the first pass/breakout. That's where he'll be missed the most (well there and the PP).