Rafalski/Red Wings Schedule Press Conference for Wednesday

I’m guessing that they’re not going to announce that Rafalski is being given robotic legs or laser-eyes so he can keep playing.

You mean my inside source was wrong?! Shoot.

I’m not as sentimental about Rafalski as others are, mostly because I’m not American and I’m not from Michigan. However, he was brought to Detroit to fill the role of offensive defenseman who could contribute on the power play. He filled that role admirably, and his defensive shortcomings were made up for by his pairing with Lidstrom.

It’s a shame that injuries have forced him to call it a career early (since this is my guess on why he’s retiring now and not playing one more year). While he wasn’t the greatest d-man physically, he was one of the smartest players I’ve ever seen on the Wings.

Boy, when you look at his career accomplishments, I think he’s got a case for one of the most underrated defensemen of the last 15 years.

Kudos on a great career, Brian. I think the Wings are going to miss him a lot next year.

As a Badger fan/alumnus and lifelong Wings fan, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Raffy wear red and white (and occasionally blue) for much of his hockey career. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him in a front office or broadcasting role, as there’s no question he’s a highly intelligent guy.

With today’s medical technology, we SHOULD be able to get him some sort of cybernetic knees. Maybe implant those laser eyes with an advanced targeting system to make those break-out passes absolutely perfect.

as to the HoF: it’s a toss-up. I know my bias makes me want to say “yes” and I have a hard time separating that bias from my objective opinion, but I think all of his accomplishments will finally get him in (not as a 1st ballot unless it’s a slow year). Also helping his case: it’s the HOCKEY HoF, not the NHL HoF, or “Bettmann’s hall of dreamy guys he would like to kiss.”

He was the wings masterton nominee and there is a rumor on twitter he may call it quits as well

I don’t think anyone can deny that Rafalski defined class. He showed his championship caliber but also the heart of a giant despite his size. Undrafted in the NHL, goes to Europe to refine his skills, 3 rings 2 medals. A fantastic career for the suburban Detroit boy, a class act. He knew it was time to hang em up for himself but also for the organization to move forward. Thanks for the great memories Raffy!

total respect for this great player. he wasnt a star at the start, but he become a deadly defensemen with his breakout passes and point shots.

im gonna miss his presence on the team once he officially retires. but yeah…we’ll need to find more right handed players.

who do you think hollands gonna pick up? jova?

Just a blog newbie’s two cents:
McCrimmon out, new defense coach Brian Rafalski in!

One Badger retires and another Badger gets a shot to replace him. Very fitting.

Brian Rafalski’s performance in the Olympics was the decisive factor for at least a few new fans I know.
Great player. I’m sad to think he won’t be back.
I feel like we’ll have a few years before we get our defensive lines back to form after all the changes this off season.

Very sad day he will be missed for a long time