Rafkin may not stand out on the ice every game but he is often able to showcase his mature and poised style of play. He is a crisp and efficient skater, seemingly wasting little energy getting up to full speed. He has a great head on his shoulders and utilizes that to do a great job of shutting down zone entries, separating opponents from the puck and moving the puck up ice again. His gap control is impeccable and his vision on the defensive side of the game is exceptional. He does an excellent job of reading plays and shutting down the forecheck. The strength of his game is his ability to transition the puck up the ice while being solid at both ends. He has the capability to generate controlled exits and entries in transition, rarely dumping the puck in. Whether it’s patiently passing to his defense partner or skating back himself, he understands that possession is key. Offensively, he shows skill, but his production remains modest. He displays poise along the blueline, staying mobile and activated throughout offensive zone shifts. He has a good but not great shot. He locates his shots well, but the hope is that his shot will become harder as he becomes stronger. He is a crisp passer who has touch and accuracy. He is a solid, stable defender who can move the puck up the ice and chip in offensively. He has a lot of room to grow but his defensive play is strong.

– FCHockey’s 2020 NHL Draft Guide