Raffl, 32, registered 11 points (4-7=11), including three game-winning goals to match the second-most of his career, in 44 regular-season games with Philadelphia and Washington in 2020-21. The forward opened the season with Philadelphia, logging eight points (3-5=8) in 34 regular-season games. He also scored two game-winning goals with Philadelphia, which were tied for second on the team for the season. Raffl was acquired via trade by Washington on April 12, 2021 and finished the campaign with the Capitals, logging three points (1-2=3) and 21 hits in 10 regular-season games. He also skated in four Stanley Cup Playoff games with Washington, registering 14 hits and nine shots on goal.
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The eight-season NHL veteran has amassed 163 points (82-81=163) in 514 career regular-season games with Philadelphia and Washington. Raffl's 21 game-winning goals since entering the NHL in 2013-14 are the second-most in the NHL for a player averaging fewer than 14:00 time on ice per game. He has also skated in 32 career Stanley Cup Playoff games with Philadelphia and Washington, registering eight points (5-3=8), two game-winning goals and 92 hits.
"Michael is a solid two-way forward with good hockey sense, allowing him to play in a variety of situations," said Nill. "He has a strong, physical presence on the ice and will add veteran savvy and depth to our lineup."
Raffl has made several appearances on the international stage with Austria, including skating in six World Championships (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2019) and a trip to the 2014 Winter Olympics where he earned three points (1-2=3) in four games.
The 6-foot, 200-pound native of Villach, Austria was originally undrafted and signed by Philadelphia as a free agent on May 31, 2013 before being acquired by Washington via trade in exchange for defenseman Ty Murchison on April 12, 2021.
