Season Review 2013/14 - Mark Streit

Mark Streit

- Nationality: SUI
- DOB: 1977/12/11
- 181 cm (5'11") / 87 kg (191 lbs)
- Position: D

- NHL Team: Philadelphia Flyers
- NHL Draft: 2004 (9/262) by the Montreal Canadiens
- Contract: 4 year / $21 million until 2016/17
- 2013/14 Salary: $5 million

Here a quick overview of Mark Streit's stats since his arrival in the NHL. Last season marked his eighth in the NHL, his first with the Philadelphia Flyers:

Mark Streit broke into the NHL with the Montreal Canadiens and established himself with the New York Islanders as one of the top offensive defensemen in the NHL. In his five years on Long Island he earned a total of $21 million. 

Mark Streit was captain of the New York Islanders

As the 2012-13 season came to an end Streit was going to be an unrestricted free agent in the summer. When the Islanders couldn't reach a new deal with their captain and the Philadelphia Flyers showed a lot of interest, the Flyers aquired the rights to Mark Streit in exchange for minor leaguer Shane Harper and a fourth-round draft pick in 2014 on June 12th 2013.

A 4-year deal worth $21 million at the age of 35

The then 35-year old Swiss defenseman was seeking a last big contract in the NHL and the Flyers handed him both the ideal term and the money: A week before free agency, on June 28th 2013 Streit hit the jackpot by signing a four-year $21 million deal with the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers had high hopes for the Streit and in his first season for Philadelphia he didn't disappoint.

Better role than with the Islanders

Known for his offense, especially as a big impact player on the powerplay Streit delivered in his first season with the Flyers. He even had a +3 rating due to his different role with his new team. The Islanders used him much more against the opponents top lines. With the Flyers he was mostly able to get around that kind of assignment and concentrate on his offensive abilities. In such a role Mark Streit can be at his best.

One of the best offensive defenseman in the NHL

Slow start, strong finish to regular season

Streit got off to a slow start posting only 1 goal and 8 assists in his first 27 games. In his next 28 games he showed some of his best hockey all season and managed to score 5 goals and addeed 13 assists. Streit finished the season strong by scoring 1 goal and 9 assists in the final six regular season games. He was definitely ready for the playoff sereis against the New York Rangers. In a tight series the Rangers beat the Flyers 2-1 in game 7 and advanced to the next round. A disappointing exit in round 1 for Philadelphia.
With 44 points in 82 game Streit finished 15th overall in points as a defenseman in the NHL.

The Olympics 2014: a total disappointment

The first disappointment of the season for the Swiss native already came in February. The 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi were supposed to be the next big story for Swiss National Team. After winning the silver medal at the 2013 World Championship in Sweden the expectations in his home country were sky high.

Streit couldn't help his team meet the high expectations at the Olympics.

But Switzerland came back to reality and lost in the qualification playoff round against Latvia. The tournament was over far too early for Streit and his teammates.

Getting ready for next season

Switzerland's head coach Sean Simpson also wanted to have Streit for the 2014 World Championship in Belarus. But the 36-year old declined the invitation saying he is very tired after a long (Olympic) season and needs more time to rest. A wise decision at his age. Next season the Flyers will be counting on Streit to at least repeat his performance. He still has three more years to go deep in the playoffs with Philadelphia. A long playoff run is what the Swiss defenseman never had in his NHL career before. And if you know Mark Streit he is willing to do everything in order to help his team get on that long journey.


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