Philadelphia Flyers forward Michael Raffl isn't a top line guy these days, but he brings a skill set that plays well in a variety of roles on the Philadelphia roster. As a result, the big Austrian and pending unrestricted free agent may soon have a new contract to show for his versatility and efforts the last three seasons.
According to James Mirtle of TSN, Raffl and the Flyers are "working" towards a new deal. Raffl is playing out the final year of a two-year, $2.2 million deal, which carries an AAV of $1.1 million. ESPN's Craig Custance did his best to pump the brakes on Mirtle's report, suggesting that there "have been conversations," but that nothing is "imminent" on the contract front.
Raffl, 27, joined Philadelphia as a free agent prior to the 2013-14 season. He played well enough to earn a second deal with Philly, but his place in the lineup remained a bit uncertain. In 2014-15, Raffl seemed to find a home alongside Flyers superstars Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek on Craig Berube's top unit, turning the increased ice time and improved linemates into 21 goals and 28 points.
He's fallen back to earth this season though, having collected just 8 goals and 17 points through 59 games, and is now on the second line after being moved up and down the lineup by new Flyers head coach Dave Hakstol.
The fact that the Flyers and Raffl are talking turkey on a new contract doesn't really mean much for his Flyers or NHL future at this point - he could still very well be dealt ahead of the deadline later this month - but it's a good sign for a continued marriage that the two sides have at least shown interest in remaining together beyond this season.
