Rafalski to Retire?

Twitter is abuzz with the news that Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski is set to retire.

Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos broke the news via Twitter Monday afternoon, with TSN’s Darren Dreger and Craig Custance of the Sporting News confirming shortly thereafter.

The Detroit Free Press declares Rafalski as undecided, with Ken Holland quoted as saying the following:

I do know he’s doing a lot of thinking. I did meet with him at the end of the year. I’ve had conversations with him. For lack of better words, I do know he’s doing a lot of thinking about next year. Heâ’s got to make some decisions. I haven’t talked to him in a week. He hasn’t told me he’s retiring.

There are rumors of a Wednesday press conference to announce the retirement.

Rafalski has one year remaining on the five-year contract he signed with Detroit in 2007. As he signed the deal before he turned 35, the $6 million he is due to make would not be applied to the team’s salary cap for next season.