Flyers Re-Sign Michael Raffl to 2-Year Deal

PHILADELPHIA — Michael Raffl’s day just kept getting better and better.

First he had his parents in the house to watch him play against the St. Louis Blues.

Only 45 seconds into the game, he got increased responsibility. Steve Downie left the game with a head injury and Raffl took his place on the third line.

A few hours later, he left with a win and a two-year contract extension worth $1.1 million per year.

Aside from blocking a slapshot with his rear end late in the third period of the Flyers’ 4-1 win over St. Louis, it’s not a bad day.

The rookie has nine goals and 12 assists, while playing on all four lines. Lately he’s been on the fourth line, but only because coach Craig Berube likes his speed at center.

The 25-year-old Austrian has been a mainstay on the Flyers’ penalty-killing unit and shown he can play a defensive role on Sean Couturier’s shutdown line.

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