Wings May Look to Devils’ Greene to Replace Rafalski

In the summer of 2007 then unrestricted free-agent defenseman Brian Rafalski was expected to resign with the New Jersey Devils. But on July 1st the Dearborn, Michigan native spurned the Devils and signed with his hometown Detroit Red Wings. Rafalski recently announced his retirement from the NHL leaving the Red Wings scrambling to find a capable replacement for 37 year old blueliner. Detroit is still waiting to hear if Captain and future Hall of Fame Nicklas Lidstrom plans on returning for a 20th season at the age of 41. Lidstrom is expected to make a decision before the official start of the free agent frenzy on July 1. Facing the possibility of losing their top defensive pairing the Red Wings are going to have to be an aggressive player this off season. Rafalski was scheduled to make $6 million in 2011-12, his final year of the 5 year $60 million deal he signed in 2007. Detroit may use that extra cap space and find a more affordable option. Perhaps soon to be New Jersey unrestrict...