Flyers latest, news rumors: Michael Raffl gets extension, Mark Streit to Blackhawks

The Flyers made a move to dispeltrade rumors and perhaps show that, now just three points behind in the East, they are looking to contend by extending winger Michael Raffl Sunday.

The deal is reportedly worth just over $7 million and will keep Raffl in South Philly for three additional seasons. It also makes fans wonder if the team will a buyer, seller or remain quiet when the 3 p.m. trade deadline arrives Monday.

According to some sources, the Blackhawks are on Mark Streit’s trail, looking to add the veteran defenseman much like they added Kimmo Timonen last season. Streit scored his 400th career point in a 4-2 victory over the Coyotes Saturday and has been playing very well of late.

Streit has heard the rumors, (some of which imply that the trade is being discussed and is imminent) but does not particularly want to leave.

“I mentioned it before. I love being a Flyer,” Streit said Saturday.”I love playing for this team and I believe in this team. I want to play here, but sometimes those are the things you can’t control. I just focus on Monday’s game for now. I take the win today and enjoy that. But we’ve got to turn the page tomorrow and just need to keep playing the same way. The trade deadline is Monday at 3pm. We’ll see what happens. I want to be here. I want to play with the Flyers, and that’s all that matters to me. We have to see what happens.”

A Streit deal, which would hurt the team in the short team could make sense longterm, opening thingsup for some of the Flyers’ blue chip defensive talent to get some NHL experience.

Of course Michael Raffl was the subject of trade rumors, specifically to the Panthers, and now he’s inked a contract extension, so anything is possible. Other Flyers whose names have arisen include Sam Gagner, Matt Read and RadkoGudas.

But just that fact, that anything is possible, makes this one of the more mysterious trade deadlines in recent memory.

Whether the Flyers bring in talent, ship off talent or stand pat, fans would not be surprised by any outcome.