Former NHLer Rafalski signs with ECHL team

Brian Rafalski. (Paul Sancya/AP)

Former NHL defenceman Brian Rafalski is making his return to professional hockey after signing a contract with the ECHL’s Florida Everblades.

Rafalski, who retired from the NHL in May 2011, had been skating with the Everblades in preparation for the Winter Classic alumni game, which took place Dec. 31 in Detroit.

The 40-year-old Dearborn, Mich., native spent 11 seasons in the NHL between the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings. He finished his career with 79 goals and 515 points in 833 games, including four goals and 48 points in his final season in 2010-11.

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