Maple Leafs Rumors: Team Interested in Yet Another Flyers Defenseman

Now that the Toronto Maple Leafs have salary cap room to spare, their search for additions on the blueline can expand a bit more, and according to the latest rumor from Insider Elliotte Friedman, they're now having a look at another Philadelphia Flyers defenseman, Rasmus Ristolainen.

Elliotte Friedman is speculating that the Leafs have checked in on Flyers defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen. pic.twitter.com/UgAMGUmd7C
— Rink Rat Report (@RinkRatReport) December 7, 2023

Now back in the lineup for the past five games after missing the first 20 games of the season with a lower-body injury, Ristolainen is being eased back into action, playing 15:42 of ice time per night, compared to his workhorse numbers of well over 20 minutes of seasons past.

The Leafs have gone to "have a look" at him, says Friedman.

The 29-year-old would be a nice addition to the Toronto blueline. He does, however, come with a hefty contract with a $5.1M cap hit that runs another three seasons.

Friedman doesn't believe that the Flyers are anxious to trade the 11-year Finnish veteran, and certainly, with the team flying along in 3rd place in the Metropolitan Division, off to a nice start to the season, they're not jumping to deal away any of the troops.

The Leafs have also been speculated to be one of the teams that could be interested in potential Philly trade piece Sean Walker, though his availability is also in question, and Friedman also suggests that the Leafs are looking for someone "with more snarl."

Photo: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports