Brian Rafalski Hangs Up the Skates for Good

Three time Stanley Cup champion Brian Rafalski announced yesterday morning that he will retire from the game of hockey. Rafalski's speed and timely scoring will surely be missed next year on the Detroit blueline, especially as the Wings await an announcement from fellow defenseman Nicklas Lidstrom about his future. Lidstrom, who unlike Rafalski had a healthy and productive year, is expected to re-sign for another term with the Wings. Getting Lidstrom back, who most still consider to be the best defenseman in the game, now becomes essential. The departure of Rafalski will also free up 6 million dollars to spend along the backend on either an elite defensemen or possibly a combination of several serviceable guys. Babcock has already expressed his opinion that a big name is needed to cover the loss of talent with Rafalski's departure. If that's the case, Vancouver Canucks Kevin Bieksa would be my leading candidate.