The Flyers made a move to dispel trade rumors and perhaps show that, now just three points behind in the East, they are looking to contend by extending winger Michael Raffl Sunday. The 27-year-old Austrian makes $1.1 million under his current deal, which expires at the end of this season.
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He was in the final year of his contract and eligible to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Apparently, that wasn’t just lip service, as Hextall and the Flyers maintained the status quo on Monday and neglected to make any big moves ahead of the deadline.
In 61 games so far this year, he has eight goals and nine assists.
In 196 career games over three seasons, Raffl has 38 goals and 29 assists. His versatility is something that new coach Dave Hakstol likes and he works well along the boards in puck battles.
Flyers right wing Jake Voracek missed his second straight game with a left foot injury.
“I think I still produce a lot of scoring chances and stuff, and (am) responsible in my own end”.
Playing on a second or third line is probably where Raffl should be slotted.
“We found a way to kind of band together at times this year when a guy’s been out”, Hextall said.
Since the Flyers brought Cousins back up for Monday’s game against the Calgary Flames, Hextall has just three recalls remaining this season. “I think the Flyers are a great organization and a great place to play. That’s kind of always been my type of game”. You hold your stick a little too tight. I think everybody’s gotta get add a little bit more. I didn’t think it affected my game that much. “When you don’t score as much, obviously your confidence drops, though”. “Good group of guys in here, so I feel like I’m just continuing to try to establish a role where I can help the team every night”. We have a chance to make the playoffs and that’s something I haven’t done in my career. “It wasn’t my best year producing wise, I think”.
“I think that’s where I fit in the best, a power-forward type of guy”, Raffl said.
Two players who were reportedly drawing interest from other teams – D Mark Streit and LW Sam Gagner – both played well in their games leading up to the deadline, but it must not have been enough to entice rival GMs into making Hextall an offer he couldn’t refuse. Saturday’s win temporarily got the Flyers within one point of a playoff spot. “Right now there’s not many teams are out where you say they don’t have a chance”. I could see White being signed to another one-year deal by the Flyers or at least retained through the season. But we’ll make those decisions day by day.
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“We’ve been playing a lot of good hockey”, captain Claude Giroux said. “This is what I was hoping for”.
