I would take him at 2.25 a year for sure.  The guy plays with an edge, and he will come back looking to prove something.

Posted by gretzky_to_lemieux on 02/19/11 at 01:22 PM ET

Times like these when the salary cap really grates me.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 02/19/11 at 01:32 PM ET

Times like these when the salary cap really grates me.

Posted by Jeff OKWingnut from Quest for 12 on 02/19/11 at 12:32 PM ET

Times like these when Raf’s 6m per year makes me depressed.

Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste Marie on 02/19/11 at 01:47 PM ET

I suppose that NMC includes being sent down to Grand Rapids…

Posted by mrfluffy from Long Beach on 02/19/11 at 02:20 PM ET

Times like these when Raf’s 6m per year makes me depressed.

Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste. Marie on 02/19/11 at 12:47 PM ET

And he’s got one more year. 

Posted by SYF from the bottom of my, what, 11teenth pint of Guinness? on 02/19/11 at 02:25 PM ET

Teams like ATL and BUF should be absolutely leaping at the chance, at half price.  BUF in particular.

Posted by Primis on 02/19/11 at 02:39 PM ET

I suppose that NMC includes being sent down to Grand Rapids…

Yes, it’s even more strict than a no-trade clause. A player with a NTC can be sent down to the minors, but if he has a NMC he can’t be traded (without his consent) or sent to the minors. He is contractually required to be on the big league roster (unless injured, of course).

Is Rafalski’s contract a 35-plus one, too? I can’t remember, but in that case the cap hit remains even if he retires or is abducted by aliens before the end of the contract. Six million on the Red Wings salary cap for next year no matter what.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/19/11 at 07:50 PM ET

Is Rafalski’s contract a 35-plus one, too? I can’t remember, but in that case the cap hit remains even if he retires or is abducted by aliens before the end of the contract. Six million on the Red Wings salary cap for next year no matter what.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 02/19/11 at 06:50 PM ET

No.  He was I believe 34 when he signed it in July of 2007, so it shouldn’t count as a guaranteed cap hit.

Posted by Primis on 02/19/11 at 08:34 PM ET

hopefully someone claims him… but i doubt it… guy was injd pretty much all of last year… had been injd twice this year… plus his foot speed and defensive play is terrible as well… so 2.8mil for his slapshot… which is a ? as well given the guy now had 6 surgeries on his hand. 4 on his wrist alone

Posted by Oilers Rock from Edmonton, Alberta on 02/19/11 at 08:41 PM ET

i will rafalski over souray anyday, even if souray is making 8OOK

Posted by Oilers Rock from Edmonton, Alberta on 02/19/11 at 08:45 PM ET

Souray is a good guy, dont listen to Lowe and Tambellini and company. Good luck Sheldon!

Posted by Boxcar on 02/19/11 at 09:10 PM ET