Quote:
Originally Posted by herashak
He could definitely end up being like smid or better.
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I don't think Smid is much of a comparable. Rafikov seems to be a good puck mover - both in skating with the puck, and making a pass. He also seems to have more of an offensive skill-set than Smid. I think he has everything you want in a defensive prospect - skating ability, decent offensively, passing ability, IQ, good physicality and likes to engage, and good speed.
Best way to compare him to someone that is more famous, would be to think of him as Weber-lite. Emphasis on the 'lite' - huge emphasis. He is not going to get anywhere close to Weber in all likelihood, but just in terms of having that very well-rounded package, but at a top 4 ceiling from the little I have read and watched him.
I like Smid, but Smid is more of a Regehr-type where he has great physicality and defensive acumen, but is not very strong at skating out with the puck, passing and creating offence. Rafikov seems to have more breadth of skill.