Flyers Rumors: 4 Teams Linked To Rasmus Ristolainen

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has emerged as a potential trade candidate leading up to the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline, with The Fourth Period linking him to the Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, Winnipeg Jets, and Edmonton Oilers. 

With his physical style and ability to log significant minutes, Ristolainen is drawing interest from teams looking to bolster their blue line. 

Despite the Flyers remaining in contention for a wild-card spot, their playoff chances are slim, and they appear open to moving Ristolainen for the right return.

"A guy they have been linked to for a while... is Rasmus Ristolainen" - @TheFourthPeriod on the #NHLJets potential targets at the upcoming NHL Trade Deadline.

Check out the full conversation with @hustlerama here: https://t.co/eufsd9ATYI pic.twitter.com/VhZzZQEbFy

— Winnipeg Sports Talk (@SportsTalkWPG) January 9, 2025

Each team connected to Ristolainen has specific needs he could address. 

The Stars, who lost Chris Tanev in the offseason to the Toronto Maple Leafs, see him as a potential replacement to strengthen their defense, particularly if the Flyers retain salary. 

The Canucks, aiming to improve their defensive depth and toughness, view him as a strong fit for their second or third pairing. 

Meanwhile, the Jets, with their focus on playoff-tested veterans, have reportedly considered Ristolainen as an option to improve their penalty kill. Insider Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic has the Jets acquiring the big defenseman this year: “So there you have it, I’ve got the Cup-contending Jets taking on Ristolainen.”

The Oilers are also looking for ways to reinforce the right side of their defense and see Ristolainen as a potential solution.

An interesting fact I just found out is that in Finland, the cost of a speeding ticket is determined by your income.

In 2019, Rasmus Ristolainen got a ticket for about $135,000 USD for going ~50mph in 25 zone. Sasha Barkov got a $50k ticket, and Teemu Selanne got a $43k ticket. pic.twitter.com/YWrQ7Yi1tL

— Leafs Truth (@leafs_truth) January 6, 2025

Flyers management is reportedly open to trading Ristolainen but will only do so for "a good prospect or young player in return or a combination of a prospect and a pick," according to Pierre LeBrun. 

With a $5.1 million cap hit and term remaining on his contract, Ristolainen offers acquiring teams stability beyond this season. 

While his lack of playoff experience is notable, his improved play and consistent 20-minute workload have made him an attractive option for teams seeking a physical, right-shot defenseman.

Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images