NHL Trade Talk
Report: Flyers Could Demand Top Draft Pick in Rasmus Ristolainen Trade
At the age of 30, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is not going to be a part of the organization’s long-term plans on the ice.
After suffering a season-ending triceps injury in February, Ristolainen has bounced back in a big way for the Flyers, stepping into a top-pairing role alongside Travis Sanheim after Cam York’s injury forced a shift in the defense.
And, because of Ristolainen’s hot start, the Flyers reportedly (and understandably) value the 6-foot-4 Finnish defenseman highly.
According to Daily Faceoff NHL insider Anthony Di Marco, “The play of Ristolainen this season has elevated him in the eyes of the Flyers, and it sounds like the asking price for the hulking rearguard will be a first-round selection or value-equivalent.”
Recall that Ristolainen, 30, has three years remaining on his contract, including this season, at a manageable $5.1 million cap hit.
Some NHL teams looking to make additions to their defenses might covet Ristolainen’s term over a patchwork option, as they can have a player with his specific traits and skillset to help compete for a Stanley Cup over the course of multiple seasons.
After taking multiple steps forward with his play in his own end under Flyers coaches John Tortorella and Brad Shaw, Ristolainen has shown capable of playing effective, reliable hockey on any defense pairing in any situation.
The 2013 former eighth overall pick can move the puck, use his size to kill plays, block shots, kill penalties, and fill in on the power play as needed. In short, Ristolainen, a late bloomer, has developed into a jack-of-all-trades player with size you can’t teach.
“As one NHL executive mentioned to me over the summer, Ristolainen’s contract – signed through the 2026-27 season – would be easier to move this year compared to last with the rising salary cap,” added Di Marco.
Philadelphia had a 21-24-6 record without Ristolainen in the lineup last season compared to a 17-9-5 record with him in the lineup.
Ristolainen has one goal and one assist in 12 games for the Flyers so far this season and will be 32 years old when his contract expires in 2027.
Former NHL Star Evgeny Kuznetsov Offers Sound Advice for Matvei Michkov
Aleksei Kolosov Proving to Doubters He is an NHL Goalie
Philadelphia Flyers Could Unexpectedly Trade Top Young Winger
Flyers Rumors Intensify with Key Players Drawing Trade Interest
Emil Andrae Goes Wild for First NHL Goal as Flyers Blow Another Lead
Flyers Rumors Intensify with Key Players Drawing Trade Interest
Philadelphia Flyers Could Unexpectedly Trade Top Young Winger
Former NHL Star Evgeny Kuznetsov Offers Sound Advice for Matvei Michkov
Aleksei Kolosov Proving to Doubters He is an NHL Goalie
Are Flyers Playoff Contenders? We Examine in Latest Podcast
Flyers Podcast: Lots of Positives, But Ryan Ellis Was Mistreated
Will Flyers get a shot at drafting Shane Wright? Here are the intriguing prospects
Tyson Foerster injured on scary hit into end boards
They could get a first round pick from a strong contending team like the Leafs, Canes or Stars or teams that suffer an injury to a top 4 pairing d-man who are on the cusp….but any trade would probably have to wait two or three more months, weeks before the March deadline. Then again, if Danny B is willing to trade Risto and the contract around the holidays, he may get that first round pick in the 2025 draft……if he waits until the end, the deadline, it may not be in the 2025 draft but in the 2026 draft. I’d prefer 2025 since it is regarded deeper than previous drafts…and he could package first round picks and get a higher selection.
He has never had a season over 50 points and is a career minus player. The Flyers thinking they’ll get a 1st rounder for him just shows how out-of-touch this organization is
They got a 1st for Sean Walker. They can manage that for Risto. I would gladly take a 2nd in this draft as well
We got a 1st for Walker only because we took on a bad contract along with the pick in that trade. Risto has 3 yrs remaining at 5 mil/per whereas Walker was on a expiring 2.6/per contract so those remaining years and much higher cap # will make it difficult to get a 1st…UNLESS they take on a bad contract in return.
Well, teams get desperate near the deadline, Mr Hockey Expert! lol U forget, Coburn got the Flyers a 1st rounder!
What are you talking about? He’s a defenseman for God’s sake. You don’t typically expect defenseman to generate 50 points. And the article specifically stated he’s a late bloomer. And he’s been on universally bad teams so your plus/minus rating comment is ridiculous.
Good grief what a hot mess comment
You’re the one out of touch Aaron. They got a first round pick last year for Sean Walker and Risto has more upside and a somewhat manageable contract. Can easily see him traded to a Western Conference contender.
Oooh!! More draft picks…YES!! We don’t really need any actual NHL players who can play immediately. We can just keep stockpiling draft picks. We have done such a great job drafting and developing young talent that we should be Cup contenders within 25-30 years.