NHL Rumors: Flyers Defenseman Expected To Be Traded

The Philadelphia Flyers made a ton of moves last offseason which included a couple of big trades but unfortunately this season hasn't gone as planned. The team sits on the outside looking in at the playoff picture and trades are expected before the deadline Mar.21. One name to watch out for, defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

The towering defenseman is a physical specimen at 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds and he's not shy to throw his weight around. The long-time Buffalo Sabre is a pending free agent who Philly could get a decent amount for in a deadline deal. He's still only 27 years old and his $5.4 million isn't the worst contract in the league.

So far in 35 games Ristolainen has only managed to put up eight points in 35 games but he does have multiple seasons under his belt where he's produced 40-plus points. A number of teams are expected to be interested including the Nashville Predators and Anaheim Ducks. Two playoff bound teams with a ton of cap space. 

There hasn't been much noise out of Philly about a contract extension, so a trade certainly feels likely at this point for Ristolainen. He doesn't hold any trade protection but he won't have anything to worry about as teams acquiring rentals at the deadline are heading to the postseason. 

Photo credit:  Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports