Bill Meltzer: Meltzer's Musings: Raffl, Hakstol, Snider Hockey, Alumni, the Rat & More

Great write up Bill, do you think Hextall is looking to extend Raffl now or in-season or wait and see?

2009: The Flyers sign Zac Rinaldo to an entry-level contract.

ZAC ATTACK! Miss that guy

Raffl reminds me a bit of Matt Read. Not so much in playing style, more in terms of their situations with the team, the expectations placed upon them and their contract progressions.

I like Matt Read, but his contract seems a bit expensive for where he plays in the lineup. I'm wary of Raffl being extended at the going rate for 20+ goal scorers. It seems like if he has another good year we might not be able to afford him, and he'll have to choose whether or not to go the Ville Leino route and get paid elsewhere.

I love the way Raffl plays the game, he goes all out, every moment of every shift. If he gets regular time on the 2nd pp unit, there is no doubt in my mind, that if he stays healthy, he can put up 25 goals and 40 points.

Raffl reminds me a bit of Matt Read. Not so much in playing style, more in terms of their situations with the team, the expectations placed upon them and their contract progressions.

I like Matt Read, but his contract seems a bit expensive for where he plays in the lineup. I'm wary of Raffl being extended at the going rate for 20+ goal scorers. It seems like if he has another good year we might not be able to afford him, and he'll have to choose whether or not to go the Ville Leino route and get paid elsewhere.
- Coburns_Nose

Where does Matt Read play in the lineup? Apply any number you want to the line that Matt Read plays on, but in the last two seasons, Matt Read has been 3rd and 4th in total ice time per game among Flyers forwards. He plays in all situations, and against other teams top lines on a regular basis. Last year he was set back by injury. When Matt Read is on his game, which the only time he hasn't been was due to injury, his contract is a bargain.

Last season, James Van Riemsdyk scored 17 ES goals. Raffl, scored 18 ES goals.

I love the way Raffl plays the game, he goes all out, every moment of every shift. If he gets regular time on the 2nd pp unit, there is no doubt in my mind, that if he stays healthy, he can put up 25 goals and 40 points.
- BiggE

The only thing that concerns me about Raffl is that he seems to get clocked every other game. He has to keep his head up! I am afraid he will get knocked out one night. If healthy he should get 25, especially if he can finish better

Last season, James Van Riemsdyk scored 17 ES goals. Raffl, scored 18 ES goals.
- MJL

Good point.. But I would still rather have JVR than good old Luke

I love the way Raffl plays the game, he goes all out, every moment of every shift. If he gets regular time on the 2nd pp unit, there is no doubt in my mind, that if he stays healthy, he can put up 25 goals and 40 points.
- BiggE

If he stays on the first line and sees any significant PP time he should be able to produce those numbers easily. He saw little PP time and spent time bouncing around the lineup.

Raffl ticket

I see Hexy's son as a scout/coach

Should put him on the top PP unit in the Hartnell spot

Good point.. But I would still rather have JVR than good old Luke
- 3flyerkids

Same here, so I can trade him again, and hopefully make a better deal.

I sometimes stare at Raffl's HERO chart for hours...

Same here, so I can trade him again, and hopefully make a better deal.
- MJL

Sounds good to me. If anyone can do it, Hextall can

I sometimes stare at Raffl's HERO chart for hours...
- TobyFlenderson

Look at Voracek's 'Impact on linemates' from 2013-15

20+ goals for Raffl again next season, likely without any PP time. Should lock him up for another 3 or 4 years in the mid to high $2mm range.

Should put him on the top PP unit in the Hartnell spot
- PhillySportsGuy

I wouldn't, unless they trade Schenn. Their 1st unit has been fantastic, why mess with it?

I wouldn't, unless they trade Schenn. Their 1st unit has been fantastic, why mess with it?
- BiggE

Because Berube.

Because Berube.
- jmatchett383

To quote coburns nose...I think it's a valid concern. If he stays healthy and puts up another 20 goal season he could get a contract similar to what pouliot got (4 per) this summer.

20+ goals for Raffl again next season, likely without any PP time. Should lock him up for another 3 or 4 years in the mid to high $2mm range.
- wolfhounds

Won't get a 20 goal scorer who plays very well in his own end in his prime that cheap IMO

Last season, James Van Riemsdyk scored 17 ES goals. Raffl, scored 18 ES goals.
- MJL

Raffl did this playing with two top point collectors in the league. Two!!

Because Berube.
- jmatchett383

Berube got poopcanned in mid-April. Where is he working now?

To quote coburns nose...I think it's a valid concern. If he stays healthy and puts up another 20 goal season he could get a contract similar to what pouliot got (4 per) this summer.
- Just5

He's a good player. If he got that money it would be well deserved