Former Detroit Red Wings defenseman Brian Rafalski has ended his comeback attempt with the EHCL’s Florida Everblades, retiring for good.

"I'm done," Rafalski told the Fort Myers News-Press. "My back is no good. That was one of the hurdles."

Rafalski, 40, played only three games with the Everblades, picking up one assist. He told the News-Press that his back acted up after his first game on Jan. 10 and experienced more back pain after playing on consecutive nights, Jan. 17-18.

“After playing two games, it inflamed the nerves in my back so I’m done,” Rafalski said. “I felt like I played pretty well the last game. I was getting my timing and the game seemed to slow down.”

The Red Wings were monitoring Rafalski’s progress.

He played four of his 11 seasons in Detroit, picking up 35 goals and 204 points in 292 games with the Red Wings.

He initially retired following the 2010-11 season, with one year and $6 million remaining on his contract. He got the desire to play again while taking part in the Winter Classic alumni game on Dec. 31 at Comerica Park.