I went with Schneider. I think he has the potential to be a starter in the league - really showed well in the AHL I thought, and of course his camp invite last year as well that he turned into a contract.
Almost went with Rafikov. Why? Really depends on what your rankings are based on. Rafikov I think seems to have the tools to be a top 4 defencemen, and one that is very difficult to play against since he really enjoys playing that chippy antagonistic game. He seems to move the puck well also, and is a decent skater. I look at him as a Wothespoon-type in that he does everything fairly well, but not elite, but differs from Wotherspoon as there is some sandpaper to his game.
Now someone may not think much of Rafikov because it seems less and less likely he will come over to North America, but for my ranking that isn't really a consideration. I would have ranked him much higher this year if it wasn't for him bouncing around a lot last season. I just really liked what I saw from him in the viewings I managed to get in - the Subway Super Series and world juniors. I think he still has the ability to be an impact-type defencemen that is dependable in his own zone, and can throw-off the other team being an agitator/physical presence (kid seems to love to hit).
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