Maybe because everybody knows he is under contract with KHL team. I like this gamble by the Flames. Not a lot of players very late makes it to the NHL. If he makes it..... pretty awesome for the Flames if not, big deal. Maybe he will turn out to be one of those late picks who had success with the NHL namely Theo Fleury, Pavel Datschuk, Steve Larmer, Lucky Luc Robitaille and others.
There's no maybe about it.
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Scouting Report: International Scouting Services (ISS) has classified Rafikov as a talented defenceman with plenty of tools in his toolbox. He has some offensive upside, is a strong skater and good vision which allows him to create offensive opportunities. The ISS lauded the rearguard on his work ethic, calling him a fierce competitor who leaves it all on the ice. He is extremely hard to play against as he loves to get in his opponent's face and plays with an edge. He has a good frame to grow into (6-foot-2, 185 lbs) which will aid in his development as he loves to play an aggressive game.
Sounds a bit like Danil Markov by that scouting report. Guy who played just over 500 NHL games, had a modicum of offensive ability, and was a pretty scrappy competitor.
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I think he comes over in two years. Just a guess but the quote at the end where he said he will come over and change Calgary's mind about Russians rang true to me.
Yeah I not upset for them picking a potential KHL player this late. And stuff sometimes just comes out wrong, especially if you're young and not used to being interviewed a lot.
If he goes to the KHL at least that will prove to fans that Russians are a flight risk to the KHL.
If this was a 3rd, 4th round pick I would be angry they wasted it.
If a Russian comes over and plays in the CHL then I would have a lot less issue picking them.
The popularity and the increased salaries offered of the KHL has changed picking Russians for me. He sounds like a talented D man though but picking the Russians is such a risk of a pick.
If he goes to the KHL at least that will prove to fans that Russians are a flight risk to the KHL.
If this was a 3rd, 4th round pick I would be angry they wasted it.
If a Russian comes over and plays in the CHL then I would have a lot less issue picking them.
The popularity and the increased salaries offered of the KHL has changed picking Russians for me. He sounds like a talented D man though but picking the Russians is such a risk of a pick.
Well, he IS going to the KHL.
If he stays there for his career, all it proves to me is that he couldn't make it in the NHL. Just as any other 7th round pick would probably not make it and end up in the AHL or somewhere else in Europe. If he develops into some stud D, and refuses to come over, then you have a point. However, when has Calgary had an issue with an NHL player? Taratukhin was about it - and do you see NHL player material there?
Radulov put some serious fear into people it seems. Bobrovsky was offered 10 million to play in Russia, and he just re-signed with Columbus for less money. I am sure he used it as leverage, but a decent contract for him if he repeats due to term. Ovie and Malkin apparently were rumored to get big offers as well - they stayed.
Players stay there if they can't develop into NHL players, and older players go back when they can no longer find an NHL team to play with. A tiny fraction choose to say there - as have other Europeans from different countries as well. To be absolutely safe, Flames should only draft Calgary-born players?
If he goes to the KHL at least that will prove to fans that Russians are a flight risk to the KHL.
If this was a 3rd, 4th round pick I would be angry they wasted it.
If a Russian comes over and plays in the CHL then I would have a lot less issue picking them.
The popularity and the increased salaries offered of the KHL has changed picking Russians for me. He sounds like a talented D man though but picking the Russians is such a risk of a pick.
It's not like he's packing his bags and leaving after realizing the NHL isn't a walk in the park or that he's not getting as much money as he would like. He's still got a two year contract with his current team and even a top rated prospect like Nichushkin could only make an agreement that either he makes the NHL or goes back that year.
No need to be Rushan with the hate just yet.
Do you have more information about him you can share?
Rushan the perspective defender, started playing for a team Russia (U-18). Defender of "stay-at-home". Has two years of the contract with Locomotive. In Rushan's interview say that to go to NHL still early.
Rafikov's interview after a draft: "For each player is honourable to be to NHL chosen on a draft, and it is pleasant to me that I was chosen by Calgary. But I connect the future with Locomotive now. I have two years of the contract with club. I didn't know will choose me or not therefore looked at the first round and went to bed. Woke up since morning and I saw that me chose Calgary. My English is badly now, but I will go to the tutor and to learn."
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Here's the W18 bronze medal game between Russia and Finland... Rafikov is #2
hate to say but he reminds me a lot of Chris Buttersoftler
Tough to gauge from one video. Supposed to play with a chip on his shoulder a little bit. For some reason, Darius Kasparitus got stuck in my head (though I really don't think that). Hopefully he pans out to be a solid all-around defender with a bit of offence and physicality. I am actually glad about this pick.
I think he comes over in two years. Just a guess but the quote at the end where he said he will come over and change Calgary's mind about Russians rang true to me.
That quote started with: "If my career doesn't work out in Russia"
