Michael Raffl on his NHL career: “My versatility was highly valued”

You played over 600 NHL games for Philadelphia, Washington, and Dallas. Are there moments that stand out most to you?
Michael Raffl: “It’s difficult to narrow it down to just a few things – basically, it was the overall experience. Every single moment together made for an incredible story. Once your career is over, you can really sit back and take it all in.”

What mindset did you take with you on your North American adventure?
Michael Raffl: “I went there with the attitude that I wanted to give it a try and do my best. If it didn’t work out, then so be it – in the worst case, you just return home. Nobody was going to hold that against me.”

How did you handle the pressure of competing at such a high level?
Michael Raffl: “I never really felt it as pressure. You just want to improve – and when you train every day with the best players in the world, you automatically get better. As a player and as a person, you develop constantly, because you’re learning something new each day.”

Which goal or game do you remember most vividly?
Michael Raffl: “The very first moment when you get called up, when you walk into an NHL arena for the first time knowing you’re about to play – I can still remember that feeling. In general, it’s more about emotions: the feeling of scoring your first goal, or the feeling of winning an important playoff game.”

How did your role evolve over the years?
Michael Raffl: “Throughout my youth I was a center, but then VSV coach Johan Strömwall put me on the wing, giving me the chance to play either with two imports or in the top forward lines. It worked out well – I was producing points and scoring goals. In Sweden I had a similar role. But when I got called up in America, I already sensed they were looking for other types of players because the roster wasn’t fully set. Those were third- and fourth-line guys who had to do the hard work. I embraced that role and played it with pride. That’s how I broke in, and later I also had opportunities to play in the top six. Somehow, I managed to balance both roles. That versatility was really appreciated.”

Taking every possible opportunity – is that advice you’d give to young players?
Michael Raffl: “Absolutely. There are many different paths. If you’re good enough to score a lot and can sustain that at NHL level, then I’d say go for it – because that’s the most fun and that’s where you make the most money. But no team only needs goal scorers. What matters is that the team succeeds, and there are many different roles needed for that.”

What differences did you experience between Europe and the NHL?
Michael Raffl: “The competition in North America is much tougher. You can hardly afford three bad practices in a row, otherwise someone will take your spot. That’s a different kind of pressure than in Europe, where the roster is mostly set when you arrive. That was a huge difference. In North America, it’s always a business: trades and all that. You’re on the market, and if they decide to move you, you have no say in it – you just pack your bags.”

And the fans?
Michael Raffl: “In Europe it’s nicer in that sense. Playing in Switzerland was an incredible experience; you never forget moments like that. For example, when you return from an away trip after winning a playoff series and thousands of fans welcome you back with flares – that’s unforgettable. In North America, during the regular season it often feels more like eating popcorn and watching hockey. But in the playoffs, it’s different there too.”

Were you often approached by fans in North America?
Michael Raffl: “At the Flyers, I wasn’t the guy always in the spotlight. But you spend a lot of time with your teammates, and if you were out with one of the stars, you’d quickly get recognized.”

In the third and final part, Michael Raffl talks about the Red Bulls and the upcoming start of the Champions Hockey League.

Part 1: Michael Raffl: ‘Thomas is always fully committed’