Report: Flyers Could Demand Top Draft Pick in Rasmus Ristolainen Trade

At the age of 30, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is not going to be a part of the organization’s long-term plans on the ice.

After suffering a season-ending triceps injury in February, Ristolainen has bounced back in a big way for the Flyers, stepping into a top-pairing role alongside Travis Sanheim after Cam York’s injury forced a shift in the defense.

And, because of Ristolainen’s hot start, the Flyers reportedly (and understandably) value the 6-foot-4 Finnish defenseman highly.

According to Daily Faceoff NHL insider Anthony Di Marco, “The play of Ristolainen this season has elevated him in the eyes of the Flyers, and it sounds like the asking price for the hulking rearguard will be a first-round selection or value-equivalent.”

Recall that Ristolainen, 30, has three years remaining on his contract, including this season, at a manageable $5.1 million cap hit.

Some NHL teams looking to make additions to their defenses might covet Ristolainen’s term over a patchwork option, as they can have a player with his specific traits and skillset to help compete for a Stanley Cup over the course of multiple seasons.

After taking multiple steps forward with his play in his own end under Flyers coaches John Tortorella and Brad Shaw, Ristolainen has shown capable of playing effective, reliable hockey on any defense pairing in any situation.

The 2013 former eighth overall pick can move the puck, use his size to kill plays, block shots, kill penalties, and fill in on the power play as needed. In short, Ristolainen, a late bloomer, has developed into a jack-of-all-trades player with size you can’t teach.

“As one NHL executive mentioned to me over the summer, Ristolainen’s contract – signed through the 2026-27 season – would be easier to move this year compared to last with the rising salary cap,” added Di Marco.

Philadelphia had a 21-24-6 record without Ristolainen in the lineup last season compared to a 17-9-5 record with him in the lineup.

Ristolainen has one goal and one assist in 12 games for the Flyers so far this season and will be 32 years old when his contract expires in 2027.