NHL Rumors: 3 Trade Candidates Named For Flyers
According to William James of Philly Hockey Now, the team may explore trading three key players—Rasmus Ristolainen, Ivan Fedotov, and Owen Tippett—to create room for upgrades and clear pathways for younger talent.
Rasmus Ristolainen: Expensive and Injured
Ristolainen carries a $5.1 million cap hit for two more years, and with defensive prospect Oliver Bonk pushing for a roster spot, James sees a potential trade as a smart move. However, Ristolainen’s trade value is clouded by injury concerns—he’s had surgeries in back-to-back seasons—and his salary may require retention to get a deal done. Still, freeing up that money could let the Flyers target a top-pair defenseman to slot in with Travis Sanheim.
“League executives suggested the Senators could try to see if they can find a fit with the Philadelphia Flyers for right-shot blueliner Rasmus Ristolainen, who has two years left at $5.1 million per season.”
— SENS TALK (@senstalk_) May 20, 2025
Hard pass. https://t.co/1WhyNkaCvf
Ivan Fedotov: High-Cost Backup
James also names Ivan Fedotov as a candidate, citing his $3.275 million AAV and limited upside as a backup to Sam Ersson. While Fedotov improved late in the season, the cap hit remains steep for a No. 2 goaltender. The Flyers could either retain salary or sweeten the pot with a draft pick to move him, especially if they plan to get aggressive in free agency or the trade market.
Owen Tippett just went bardown on the empty net from his own blue line 😂👀 pic.twitter.com/JPXCSENam9
— Gino Hard (@GinoHard_) April 10, 2025
Owen Tippett: Valuable but Expendable?
The toughest call on James’ list is Owen Tippett, the 26-year-old winger, coming off a career-best year in 2023-24, got a seven-year extension and took a step back this past season, recording 20 goals and 43 points across 77 games played.
With a seven-year, $6.25 million AAV deal and rising leadership value following Scott Laughton’s departure, trading Tippett would sting—but it could potentially make strategic sense. The Flyers are loaded on the wing and lacking at center. If they want to upgrade down the middle, Tippett could be their most appealing trade chip.
Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
