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Red Wings: The Top 10 Scoring Defensemen in Team History

By Chris Giles

DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 13: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on against the Boston Bruins on February 13, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 13: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings looks on against the Boston Bruins on February 13, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Brian Rafalski

GP: 292

G: 35

A: 169

PTS: 204

After playing four seasons professionally in Sweden and Finland, Brian Rafalski entered the NHL as a free agent signing of the New Jersey Devils.

Prior to turning professional, the Michigan native played four seasons at the University of Wisconsin (NCAA). During his time at Wisconsin, Rafalski played for Team USA in two World Junior Championships, winning a WJC Bronze Medal in 1992.

Rafalski played seven seasons in New Jersey before signing with Detroit as a free agent in the summer of 2007.  Rafalski played four seasons with the Red Wings before retiring from the NHL in 2011.

For his career, Rafalski played 11 NHL seasons and scored 515 points in 833 regular season games.  He played in the playoffs every year and contributed 100 points in 165 games.  He was a three time Stanley Cup Champion, including 2007-08 while he was a member of the Red Wings.  He also played in two NHL All-Star games.

Internationally, Rafalski played for Team USA in three Olympic Games, capturing two Silver Medals (2002, 2010).  During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Rafalski was awarded Top Defenseman of the tournament.

In 2014-15, Rafalski was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

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