Flyers Rumors: Trade Asking Price Revealed For Rasmus Ristolainen

Trade rumors surrounding Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen have gained momentum this season, as his revitalized performance has captured the attention of teams across the NHL. 

Since joining the Flyers in 2021 and enduring an adjustment period, Ristolainen has developed into a reliable, physical defenseman under head coach John Tortorella. 

His consistent play, especially filling a top-pair role alongside Travis Sanheim in Cam York’s absence, has boosted his reputation as a defense-first, durable presence. 

Averaging over 19 minutes per game, Ristolainen has leaned into his physical style and defensive fundamentals, showcasing the qualities that playoff-bound teams often seek to strengthen their blue lines.

Rasmus Ristolainen, reportedly signed to a 5x$5M extension by PHI, is a defenceman who has continually performed at a very poor level throughout his nine-year NHL career, particularly defensively. #BringittoBroad pic.twitter.com/RK3PD7eU1K

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) March 10, 2022

According to Anthony Di Marco of The Daily Faceoff, Ristolainen’s trade value has surged, with Philadelphia reportedly setting a steep price. 

"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," Di Marco notes. 

With two years left on his $5.1 million cap hit and the salary cap projected to rise, Ristolainen’s manageable contract and playoff-ready physicality make him an appealing option for contenders. 

His size, shot-blocking abilities, and versatility to contribute on the power play further enhance his marketability as teams assess their needs ahead of the trade deadline.

Once maligned and now reinvented under coach John Tortorella, Rasmus Ristolainen has proven himself as a top-four defenseman and could be a trade chip who fetches the #LetsGoFlyers a first-round pick.

Story from @ADiMarco25:https://t.co/uNVFOVwnSR

— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) November 5, 2024

As the Flyers look to build for the future, Ristolainen has emerged as one of their most valuable trade assets, and Di Marco suggests his performance could yield a return similar to other defense-first players like Ben Chiarot and David Savard, who each fetched first-round picks in recent seasons. 

With Philadelphia expected to be sellers, GM Daniel Briere could have multiple suitors, making Ristolainen a prime candidate to watch in the rumor mill as the trade deadline approaches.

Photo Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images