88. Brian Rafalski

Although Brian Rafalski did not enter the National Hockey League until he was 26, he still managed to achieve a 500-point career, which is a very respectable total for a defenseman. He spent most of his career with the New Jersey Devils, where his powerful shot and defensive skills were an excellent fit for their style of play. After netting two Stanley Cup Rings, he went to Detroit and landed his third ring. Rafalski likely won’t end up in the Hall of Fame in Toronto, but he earned his place in the United States Hockey Hall of Fame for his overall work in the sport.

Should Brian Rafalski be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 57.4%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 19.7%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 6.6%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 16.4%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Dearborn, Michigan, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 2014
Position: Defence
Games Played: 833
Notable Statistics:
79 Goals
436 Assists
515 Points
+178 Plus/Minus
282 PIM
289 Blocked Shots*
157 Hits*
79 Takeaways*
231 Giveaways*
98.9 Point Shares

165 Playoff Games
29 Goals
71 Assists
100 Points
+42 Plus/Minus
66 PIM
71 Blocked Shots*
46 Hits*
18 Takeaways*
55 Giveaways*

*These stats were first implemented in the 2007/08 Season.
Played For: Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils
Non-NHL Teams: Team U.S.A. (Olympics 2002, 2006 & 2010 Olympics, World Cup of Hockey 2004, World Hockey Championship 1995, World Junior Hockey Championship 1992 & 1993)
Madison Capitols (USHL)
University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
Brynas IF (Swedish League)
HPK (Finnish League)
HIFK (Finnish Leagiue)
Major Accolades and Awards: Stanley Cup Rings (3) (New Jersey Devils 2000 & 2003 & Detroit Red Wings 20
NHL All-Star (2) (2004 & 2007)
Olympic Silver Medal (2) (2002 & 2010)
World Junior Hockey Championship Bronze Medal (1) (U.S.A. 1992)
Finnish League MVP (1) (1999)
Finnish League Champion (1) (HIFK 1998)
Notable Top Ten Finishes: Top Ten Norris Trophy Finishes:
9th in 2001, 9th in 2008 & 9th in 2010
Top Ten Lady Byng Trophy Finishes:
9th in 2003 & 8th in 2009
2 Top Ten Plus/Minus Finishes
6 Top Ten Defensive Point Shares Finishes
Rankings: 80. Defensive Point Shares
97. Plus/Minus: 178

These rankings are as of the end of the 2024-25 Season.