Report: Philadelphia Flyers discussing Rasmus Ristolainen trade

The Philadelphia Flyers have reached the half-way point of their season and have posted a 22-12-7 record, good for third in the Metropolitan Division. Despite the team's success this season, GM Daniel Briere is still thinking long term, which includes ongoing trade conversations involving defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen.

According to Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco the Flyers have Ristolainen available on the trade market. The towering right-handed blueliner hasn't lived up to expectations this season, and Di Marco sees a potential move coming at some point this season.

Speaking with a team source, while he is not actively being shopped, defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is still very much available for trade. Ristolainen, 31, returned from injury last month and has two assists through nine games this season. Though mainly playing on the third pair alongside Nick Seeler, Ristolainen is averaging north of 20 minutes per game, fourth among Flyers defensemen.

Ristolainen’s game had to be completely rebuilt under former head coach John Tortorella and associate coach Brad Shaw. He was once a volatile defender who racked up points on the power play, but Tortorella and Shaw transformed Ristolainen into an all-defense, low-event second- or third-pair stopper. He has never played in the playoffs despite being drafted almost 13 years ago, but there has long been a belief that Ristolainen’s game will excel in the postseason.

The veteran defenceman is under contract through next season at $5.1 million AAV, and does not have any trade protection on his contract. Ristolainen has recorded just two points in 10 games this season and has missed 31 games due to injury. 

Some teams to consider would be the San Jose Sharks, who don't have many defenceman signed for next season, along with the Detroit Red Wings, and Carolina Hurricanes. Talks continue, we'll see where it goes from here.

Photo credit:  Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images