Raphael Diaz Is Set To Impress
Raphael Diaz will be focused for his NYR debut (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
John Moore will miss his first game due to a possible concussion as he is being re-evaluated today, so Raphael Diaz steps in and looks to step up.
Don’t be surprised if he makes such an impression that he may cause Alain Vigneault serious pause in setting his next lineup.
First off he has a great attitude as evident by this tweet:
I have been traded again, 4weeks, 3 nhl organisations, 1 Olympics , this is hockey…..
— Raphael Diaz (@diaz_raphael_61) March 5, 2014
Here’s his scouting report:
Place of Birth:Baar, SUI
Shoots:R
Drafted:Signed by Montreal in 2011.
Acquired:Acquired in a trade with Vancouver in 2014.
| Assets: | Is a smooth skater with puck poise and some offensive acumen. Moves the puck efficiently most of the time. Doesn’t make a lot of mistakes when he has the puck. |
| Flaws: | Lacks size and strength, so he can get knocked off the puck with relative frequency. Needs to be more assertive when on the ice, both on offense and defense. |
| Career Potential: | Smooth, yet fragile puck-moving defenseman. |
He may very well be the type of defenseman that fits perfectly into AV’s system and may press Moore and/or Stralman for a roster spot. Why? Because he can flat out play offensively as his limited time in the NHL has shown. He’s also mature and ready for this opportunity.
…..Looking forward and I’m very excited to play for the New York Rangers!
— Raphael Diaz (@diaz_raphael_61) March 5, 2014
So be ready folks to be pleasantly surprised by a quiet move from Glen Sather at the deadline.
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