I love his name - Rushan the Russian! I can't wait until next summer's development camp to see more of this guy. I sense we may have a diamond in the rough here.
The Following User Says Thank You to Gaudfather For This Useful Post:
I love his name - Rushan the Russian! I can't wait until next summer's development camp to see more of this guy. I sense we may have a diamond in the rough here.
Although ethnically, I think he is actually of Tatar decent. I am not sure how ethnic Tatars identify themselves within Russia these days.
__________________
"A pessimist thinks things can't get any worse. An optimist knows they can."
Although ethnically, I think he is actually of Tatar decent. I am not sure how ethnic Tatars identify themselves within Russia these days.
Yeah, I remember someone saying that he isn't actually Russian so in an idle moment I tried to trace the name. All I found out is that there is a footballer of Tajik ancestry.
Rafikov scores on an absolute howitzer at around 1:20 of the video. Also, second assist on the PP at 6:10.
Maybe it's just because he's a great unknown, but we could have stolen a very solid player in the 7th round here. Really interested to see him at the WJC.
__________________
Mom and Dad love you, Rowan - February 15, 2024
Last edited by GreenLantern2814; 12-03-2014 at 05:06 PM.
Rafikov scores on an absolute howitzer at around 1:20 of the video. Also, second assist on the PP at 6:10.
Maybe it's just because he's a great unknown, but we could have stolen a very solid player in the 7th round here. Really interested to see him at the WJC.
Wow, now that's a slapper. Can't wait to see him in the WJC and in July.
__________________ Fireside Chat - The #1 Flames Fan Podcast - FiresideChat.ca
I have a feeling that NHL teams are missing out in not drafting Russians in the later rounds. It seems teams are only drafting top Russian picks who are assured of making it as the idea is that others aren't that interested in moving over here and if they don't make it right away, can be a problem .
Can't wait for this guy to come to camp! He looks very mobile, and great at moving the puck.
Seems we have a glut of B-level defense prospects - Rafikov, Wotherspoon, Kulak, Culkin. Just lacking that true A-level guy... Though I wouldn't be surprised if we draft that guy with our 1st round pick this June.
Yeah, I remember someone saying that he isn't actually Russian so in an idle moment I tried to trace the name. All I found out is that there is a footballer of Tajik ancestry.
I have a feeling that NHL teams are missing out in not drafting Russians in the later rounds. It seems teams are only drafting top Russian picks who are assured of making it as the idea is that others aren't that interested in moving over here and if they don't make it right away, can be a problem .
Yup. Funny thing of course is that with the Russian economy in freefall, the "flight risk" of Russians has probably now dropped to zero.
You start to wonder if the guys like Kovalchuk or Radulov (if anyone wants him anymore) start making signs to come back. They've lost 50% of the value on their contacts with the currency collapsing.
So with the KHL president confirming that the KHL is contracting next season, it should mean less opportunity for Rafikov in the KHL and more likely he comes to North America next season.
The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to sureLoss For This Useful Post: