SHOCKER: Rafalski set to retire says sources

That leaves a space open on their defense.

They could really use an experienced puck-mover who's name is Gonchar.

Would only cost them a 1st round pick.

LOL

sandysensfan wrote:That leaves a space open on their defense.

They could really use an experienced puck-mover who's name is Gonchar.

Would only cost them a 1st round pick.

LOL

Yeah, that came to mind right away lol. Gonchar or Kuba would serve them real well!

give them kuba....

but wait why is rafalski retiring????

Michallica wrote:give them kuba....

but wait why is rafalski retiring????

He's old as the hills? I dunno, he's signed for one more year @ 6.5 million, I would have beaten my arse out of bed to play another year. We'll have to wait for an announcement.

Why does the title say Shocker????

He'll be 38 by next regular season.

hemlock wrote:Why does the title say Shocker????

He'll be 38 by next regular season.

He had 1 more year left at 6.5 million, he scored 50 points last year and was a HUGE part of Detroit's PP and PK. He's solidly entrenched in their top 4 D-men with Kronwall, Stuart and Lidstrom. He's 37, but he's not really declining from what I saw and there was no rumblings or hints about this whatsoever. I was shocked, a lot of people are surprised. You're not?

Good thing it ain't a 35+ contract...

Tolensky stat: Since the lockout, the top 5 scoring d-men: Lidstrom 382 pts, Visnovsky 310, Rafalski 308, Boyle 306, Kaberle 305.

Tolensky stat fast ball: Since Rafalski joined the Devils in 1999, top 5 scoring d-men: Lidstrom 685 pts, Gonchar 581, Rafalski 515, Kaberle 507, Pronger 500.

shabbs wrote:Tolensky stat fast ball: Since Rafalski joined the Devils in 1999, top 5 scoring d-men: Lidstrom 685 pts, Gonchar 581, Rafalski 515, Kaberle 507, Pronger 500.

The Gonch...come on Gonchie, we need you this year!

SpezDispenser wrote:

shabbs wrote:Tolensky stat fast ball: Since Rafalski joined the Devils in 1999, top 5 scoring d-men: Lidstrom 685 pts, Gonchar 581, Rafalski 515, Kaberle 507, Pronger 500.

The Gonch...come on Gonchie, we need you this year!

Gonch... heh heh... bounce back year?

shabbs wrote:Gonch... heh heh... bounce back year?

I hesitate to say it couldn't get worse, but...yeah, it could, he could retire I guess.

SpezDispenser wrote:

shabbs wrote:Gonch... heh heh... bounce back year?

I hesitate to say it couldn't get worse, but...yeah, it could, he could retire I guess.

35+ contract though... bah. He's gotta earn it.

shabbs wrote:
35+ contract though... bah. He's gotta earn it.

Yeah, that's what I meant. If he wakes up one morning and says F this noise and retires, we're on the hook. I guess this would be the best time for that - not that I think it's gonna happen, but we have cap to waste.

I think he can bounce back. I'll stick by that and hope to heck.