Four Teams Who Could Land Flyers Rasmus Ristolainen

As the NHL trade deadline looms at weeks end, the Philadelphia Flyers have one of most valuable trade chips on the market.

Rasmus Ristolainen is atop the list of top right shot defenseman available. Its a deserving spot for the Flyers defenseman after solidifying his play at the Olympics with Team Finland.

The towering 6’4″, 208lbs defenseman has played his best hockey this season in Philadelphia. His play has caught the eye of playoff teams looking to upgrade their Top 4.

While the Flyers don’t have to trade Ristolainen, who has one year remaining at $5.1M, his value may never be higher.

Three teams have shown continued interest in the Flyers defenseman over the past week. Those three teams are Boston, Dallas, and Detroit.

A sleeper team that seems to always come out of no where when making big trades is Utah.

What could it take to pry Ristolainen away from Philadelphia? Lets see what each team has to offer…

Boston Bruins

PHI – C Matthew Poitras , 2026 1st round pick (TOR)

BOS – Rasmus Ristolainen (50% retained) ,  2027 5th round pick (PHI)

Poitras hasn’t been able to crack the Bruins lineup on a consistent basis since debuting in 2022. The former 2nd round pick has great numbers at the AHL level. But, with a logjam at center on the Bruins roster, a change of scenery would be welcomed for the soon to be 22-year-old. He would give the Flyers a young center ready to make an impact at the NHL level. The Flyers would have to retain money to make a deal possible. This would solidify a 1st round pick as the second piece in a deal.

Dallas Stars

PHI – LHD Lian Bichsel , 2027 1st round pick (DAL)

DAL – Rasmus Ristolainen (50% retained) , 2027 5th round pick (PHI)

The Stars are built to win now. GM Jim Nill has been very aggressive the past few seasons in attempt to improve his team. Adding Ristolainen to a group of Miro Heiskanen, Esa Lindell, and Thomas Harley would give Dallas the best Top4 on defense of any playoff team. While Dallas lack prospects, Bichsel stands out as one who would interest the Flyers the most. A towering physical presence, 6’7″ 238lbs, would add some needed size and strength to the Flyers blue-line. Like Boston, Flyers would have to retain money to make a deal possible as well. Again solidifying a 1st round pick as the second piece in a deal.

Detroit Red Wings

PHI – C/LW Max Plante , 2027 1st round pick (DET)

DET – Rasmus Ristolainen , 2027 4th round pick (PHI)

GM Steve Yzerman has been looking far and wide for an upgrade to his defense for the past few seasons. With Detroit firmly in a playoff spot this season, Yzerman is motivated to improve his team. With an offer currently on the table for Tyler Myers, its a waiting game. If Myers does not waive his no trade clause to go to Detroit, Yzerman could quickly move to Ristolainen. Plante is having a huge year at Minnesota Duluth. After struggling in his post draft season, the former 2nd round pick is a strong contender for the Hobey Baker this season. The speedy playmaker would add another young talent to the rebuilding Flyers.

Utah Mammoth

PHI – Cole Beaudoin , 2026 2nd round pick (NYR)

UTA – Rasmus Ristolainen , 2027 5th round pick (PHI)

With Logan Cooley and Barrett Hayton taking up two center spots and Caleb Desnoyers on his way, Beaudoin is expendable for GM Bill Armstrong. If Armstrong could improve the Mammoth with one move it would be to find a partner for Mikhail Sergachev. In particular, a big physical presence. Just look at his draft history if you need to know more. Beaudoin would give the Flyers a true center prospect to build with. Immediately, he would be at the top of the Flyers prospects lists alongside Porter Martone.