Active player comparable to Rafalski

[Ziostilon]

Remember back in the 2010 Olympics, even at age 36 he played a large part on that USA d-core.

He was strong offensively and held his own on defense.

He did play with Scott Stevens and Lidstrom for most of his career. So that may work against him or in his favor, when you're assesing his play.

Two active players come to mind as a comparable to Rafalski.

Lubomir Visnovsky and Jared Spurgeon.

Both players small in stature. Lubo has mostly played on losing teams.

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[Ranger482]

Kevin Shattenkirk

 

[Ducks DVM]

I see him as a hopeful top end for Vatanen.

 

[HanSolo]

I see him as a hopeful top end for Vatanen.

My first thought too.

 

[MomoSissokko]

Mark Giordano?

 

[Chukcha]

Definitely Dennis Wideman shadowed by Chara and Giordano

 

[WhiskeyYerTheDevils]

Honestly, Severson so far has looked like a bigger Rafalski. Great skater, smart positionally, and likes to throw pucks at the net. Also both great at first passers.

Doesn't hurt that they both where 28.

A lot of what made Rafalski so good was how he simplified the game, where as a lot of smaller dmen today use their high skill sets to make game breaking plays.

 

[NotABadPeriod]

Yandle would be a good comparison if he was a tad bit better in his own end.

 

[JZCislesHockey]

Thomas Hickey

 

[ponder]

I like the Vatanen suggestion. Rafalski relied a bit more on smarts, Vatanen a bit more on speed, but they're pretty similar players.

 

[penguins2946*]

I'm hoping Pouliot turns out like Rafalski. He plays a similar style.

 

[tade]

Shayne Gostisbehere one day, maybe, I hope. Oh sorry you are asking for active player...

 

[Johnny GODreau]

Mark Giordano?

Gio's too big.

 

[YoSoyLalo]

My team's player.

 

[Filatov2Kovalev2Bonk]

Morgan Rielly is the first guy I thought of when I read this thread.
Vatanen is another nice comparable though.

 

[IAmBobo]

Mike Kostka

 

[thebus2288*]

Kris Russel.

I win.

 

[Kunta Kinte]

Lubomir Visnovsky

 

[KingsHockey24]

Shattenkirk, maybe Voynov.

 

[BonMorrison]

Ryan Ellis if he keeps developing like he has been.

 

[Halpysback*]

Shattenkirk

 

[source]

Tobias Enstrom as well.

 

[BoHorvat 53]

Krug, Torey.

 

[Captain Creampuff]

Shattenkirk

 

[Sasso09]

Ryan Getzlaf




Dat hair doe