Flyers Emerge as Potential Oilers Trade Partner

Many Western Conference teams have scouted the Flyers a good amount over the last year or so, and the Oilers were one of them. The one name that fits Stauffer’s criteria is Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, who has three years remaining on his contract at a $5.1 million cap hit.

Coincidentally, that cap hit is almost exactly the same as Kane’s.

It is worth noting that Ristolainen, 29, is coming off a season-ending triceps injury and has not played in an NHL game since Feb. 10. A Stanley Cup contender like the Oilers would be taking a huge risk in a potential Ristolainen trade, given the fact that he has not shown that he’s back to his old self following the surgery and subsequent rehab.

And, although the Flyers have managed to get the best out of Ristolainen under the tutelage of coaches John Tortorella and Brad Shaw, the organization may feel slightly more inclined to move Ristolainen if a suitable offer comes in due to his age.

Ristolainen will turn 30 years old shortly after the start of the regular season on Oct. 27, and with young defensemen like Emil Andrae, Ronnie Attard, and Adam Ginning knocking on the door for an opportunity, the Flyers may have to make some sacrifices one way or the other.

Additionally, London Knights standout and former first-round pick Oliver Bonk could prove ready for NHL action, too, before Ristolainen’s contract expires in Philadelphia.

One last thing to consider in a potential Oilers trade is the fact that the Flyers are currently estimated to be $829,763 over the NHL salary cap. A resolution to the Ryan Johansen contract termination debacle does not appear to be immediately forthcoming, so the Flyers may have to make a corresponding move to get under the salary cap by the start of the regular season.

Ristolainen scored one goal, three assists, and four points in 31 appearances for the Flyers last season.