Red Wings Defenseman Brian Rafalski retires after 11 seasons in the NHL

Brian Rafalski, a three-time Stanley Cup champion defenseman with the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings, announced that he will retire from the National Hockey League after 11 seasons. Rafalski appeared in 833 regular season games, 154 postseason contests and made five trips to the Stanley Cup Final during his career.



The 37-year-old Rafalski played his first NHL game in 1999 after signing as an undrafted free agent with New Jersey . He spent three seasons in Finland and one in Sweden prior to joining the Devils and was touted at the time by The Hockey News as “the best defenseman not playing in the National Hockey League.” During his rookie campaign, Rafalski ranked second among first year blue-liners with 32 points (5 goals-27 assists—32 points). He was named to the NHL’s All-Rookie Team and won his first Stanley Cup championship that year, appearing in all 23 playoff games for the Devils.



Rafalski played a total of seven seasons in New Jersey from 1999-00 through 2006-07. During that time, he appeared in 541 regular season games (44-267—311) and 102 postseason contests (17-43—60). He was selected to represent New Jersey at three NHL All-Star Games (2002, 2004, 2007), but appeared in just two, as he was unable to participate in 2002 due to injury. He added a second Stanley Cup title to his resume in 2003.



On July 1, 2007, Rafalski signed a five-year contract with his hometown Detroit Red Wings. The Dearborn , MI , native made an immediate impact, scoring a career-high 13 goals and tying his previous high with 55 points. He teamed with partner Nicklas Lidstrom to form the highest scoring blue-line duo in the NHL (125 total points). His stellar play continued into the playoffs as Rafalski played in all 22 postseason contests for the Red Wings, registering 14 points (4-10—14). He helped the Red Wings capture the 2008 Stanley Cup, the third of his career. Rafalski would don the winged wheel for 292 regular season games from 2007-08 through 2010-11, while posting 204 points (35-169—204). He also appeared in 63 postseason games for Detroit , registering 40 points (12-28—40).



Rafalski also found success at the international level. He represented the United States at numerous IIHF competitions throughout his playing career including the World Junior Championships (1992 and 1993), the World Championships (1995 and 1998), the World Cup (2004) and the Olympic Winter Games (2002, 2006 and 2010). Highlights of his international career include two Olympic sliver medals with Team USA (2002 in Salt Lake City and 2010 in Vancouver ). He was also named the tournament’s most outstanding defenseman at last year’s Olympics.