Brian Rafalski signs contract with ECHL's Florida Everblades
Retired NHL defenseman Brian Rafalski has signed a contract with the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, according to the team's official website.
“I’m just excited to get back on the ice again and see where God takes me on this journey,” said Rafalski about the decision to join the Everblades.
Rafalski registered 79 goals and 436 assists in 833 NHL games with the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings, and was a member of three Stanley Cup winning teams (2000 and 2003 with the Devils and 2008 with the Red Wings). Rafalski also played for Team USA at the last three Winter Olympics, winning the silver medal in 2002 and 2010.
Rafalski retired in 2011 with one year left on his contract with the Red Wings, foregoing $6-million in salary.
Rafalski, then 37, had retired with one year left on his contract with the #RedWings. He was dealing with serious knee and back issues.
— Chris Nichols (@Nichols_NHLPool) January 9, 2014