Raphael Diaz Is Set To Impress

Anthony Scultore Updated: May 1, 2023

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:

Raphael Diaz

current status:On roster

D | 5’11”, 197 lbs. | NY Rangers

Birth Date:January 9, 1986 (28 years old)
Place of Birth:Baar, SUI
Shoots:R

Experience:2 years
Drafted:Signed by Montreal in 2011.
Acquired:Acquired in a trade with Vancouver in 2014.

SCOUTING REPORT

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.