Raphael Diaz
SwitzerlandBiography of Raphael Diaz
Raphael Diaz is a Swiss and Spanish ice hockey player who currently plays as a defenseman for the Swiss National League (NLA) club, Zug. He was born on January 9, 1986, in Baar, Switzerland.
Early Career
Diaz began his career in the youth team of Zug. In the 2003/04 season, he made his debut for the main team in the National League A (NLA). In his first season, Diaz played 43 games and scored two goals. He continued to play exclusively for Zug in the NLA and became a regular in the starting lineup. Due to his outstanding performance as one of the best Swiss defensemen in 2010, Diaz's contract was extended until 2016, including a clause allowing him to move to the NHL if he received an offer.
NHL Career
In May 2011, Diaz signed a two-year contract with the Montreal Canadiens, where he immediately secured a regular spot on the defense. On October 18, 2011, Diaz scored his first NHL goal in a home game against the Buffalo Sabres. In January 2012, he participated in the NHL YoungStars Game as a replacement for the injured Adam Larsson. During the 2012/13 season, Diaz returned to Zug during the NHL lockout.
In February 2014, Diaz was traded to the Vancouver Canucks. However, on March 5, 2014, he was again traded, this time to the New York Rangers in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick in the 2015 draft.
International Career
Diaz has represented the Swiss national team in various international tournaments. He played in the Junior World Championship in 2004 and the World Junior Championships in 2005 and 2006. Diaz also competed in the World Championships in 2008 and 2011 and participated in the Winter Olympics in 2010 in Vancouver.
Overall, Raphael Diaz's career has seen him excel both in Swiss ice hockey and in the NHL, making him one of the respected defensemen in the sport.
