NHL star Michael Raffl celebrates comeback at Red Bull Salzburg!

NHL star Michael Raffl celebrates comeback at Red Bull Salzburg!

Salzburg, Österreich - Michael Raffl, former NHL-Star, returns to the League Back and signs a contract with Red Bull Salzburg for the coming season. Raffl will play again with his brother Thomas, the captain of the team. This is the first time since the 2008/09 season that the brothers are on the ice together in a club team. Michael Raffl was optimistic about the return and emphasized that he wants to fulfill the role he is assigned. He wants to help the team to continue their winning culture.

The 34-year-old Villacher played in the NHL during his career, where he played 629 games and scored 96 goals and 94 assists. Raffl spent almost nine full seasons at the Philadelphia Flyers before moving to the Washington Capitals in 2021 and then to the Dallas Stars. His NHL career extended over several years and marked important highlights, including his participation in six World Championships and the Winter Olympics in Sochi 2014.

career and success

Before returning to Salzburg, Raffl played in the Swiss National League for HC Lausanne, where he scored 26 goals and just as many assists in 84 games during his last three seasons. In the past two years he acted as a captain. Raffl won his first championship title in Sweden with Leksand's IF in 2013 and gave his NHL debut against Detroit Red Wings on October 12, 2013.

His number 12 in Salzburg is reminiscent of his first championship title in 2006. In total, the Raffl brothers can look back on over 2,400 games at the highest level. Helmut Schlögl, Managing Director Pro near Salzburg, emphasized Rafffl's experience and leadership qualities that will be valuable for the team.

The Ice Hockey League at a glance

The Austrian ice hockey league has set up numerous records since its foundation in 1923. The EC KAC is the most successful team in the history of the league with a total of 22 championship titles. The EC Red Bull Salzburg, who signed Raffl for the season, also has a strong record and was able to win four titles. The return of RAFFL is viewed by many fans and experts as a significant step for the club, who would like to continue to stir down the title ambitions in the coming season.