The Flyers have reportedly let the league know they are open to listening to offers for Rasmus Ristolainen, but are not going to trade him for the sake of trading him. With NHL teams looking for right-shot defensemen under contract past this season for the trade deadline, Ristolainen could generate some interest, especially with options flying off the board. But, the Flyers are reportedly looking for a first-round pick plus a prospect in return for Ristolainen.
Given the high asking price, what could the Flyers do if the team opts to keep him for the rest of the season?
Flyers could be in for interesting offseason if they keep Rasmus Ristolainen past trade deadline
If the Flyers opt to keep Ristolainen beyond the March 6 trade deadline, that doesn't necessarily mean he can't get moved in the offseason.
Ristolainen is under contract for one more year for $5.1 million before he hits free agency in the summer of 2026. While the asking price could drop, considering he doesn't have much term remaining back on his contract, let's not forget that the free agency class isn't that great. So, there could be increased interest in Ristolainen, whether that be from teams considering him at the trade deadline to new buyers.
While he may not have played much this season due to his recovery from a triceps injury, he has played well enough. In 23 games, Ristolainen has one goal, five assists, and a -3 plus/minus ratio. He showed his worth on a stacked team with Finland, as he recorded three assists and a +9 plus/minus ratio in six games.
There is also the opportunity where the Flyers just keep Ristolainen around for next season. Sure, the playoffs look unlikely for the Flyers, due in part to their standing and the fact that the Atlantic Division could see five teams clinch a spot. Philadelphia could use this final stretch as an evaluation period for their roster. Who knows, maybe the Flyers see some promise with the roster as constructed. If Ristolainen is one of the names that plays well in the final month of the season, then why not just bring him back for his final season?
The Flyers have options if they decide to keep Ristolainen around. But given the lack of quality right-shot defensemen remaining on the trade block, it will be interesting to see if the Flyers find a team willing to meet their asking price. There's no real rush for the Flyers to make a deal involving Ristolainen this week.