NHL Injury News: Flyers' Ristolainen Undergoes Arm Surgery, Won't Be Ready for Next Season

The Philadelphia Flyers will be without defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen to start next season, as the towering d-man underwent arm surgery, and won't be available to start next year.

GM Daniel Briere announced the news on Saturday, as there's been a ton of speculation about Ristolainen being moved at some point this offseason, but this recent news will certainly put a damper into those plans.

Rasmus Ristolainen needed to undergo surgery on his triceps, the same injury he dealt with last season. Danny Briere said he could miss the start of next season.
— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) April 19, 2025

"Right after the trade deadline he had to get checked, and they figured out he needed to go under the knife for another surgery on his arm," Briere said. "So he's going to be out until probably the early parts of next season, unfortunately." Brier added the injury is very similar to the same arm injury Ristolainen suffered earlier in the year.

The 6-foot-6 30-year-old veteran blueliner recorded 19 points in 63 games this season for the Flyers, and finished third on the team averaging 20:31 of ice-time per game. He's under contract through the 2026-27 season at $5.1 million AAV, and does not own any trade protection on his deal.

Flyers update. Big ask on Ristolainen. 1st, prospect and player. Decent chance he stays in Philly. Hard to replace. Teams that missed on Nelson are circling on Laughton and the price is a haul.
— Darren Dreger (@DarrenDreger) March 7, 2025