NHL Rumors: New Trade Suitor Emerging for Flyers' Rasmus Ristolainen

Monday, February 23, 2026 ,
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen plays the puck during 2026 game.

The Philadelphia Flyers are starting to get calls on Rasmus Ristolainen again, and this time the market looks better after a solid performance at the Olympics, where he came away with a Bronze Medal with Team Finland.

Up to six teams have checked in on Ristolainen over the past two weeks, according to Flyers' reporter Anthony Di Marco.

The 6-foot-4 right shot has one more year left after this season at a $5.1 million cap hit, which is huge because contenders are trying to avoid pure rentals when the seller list is thin.

Ristolainen finished his Olympics run with three assists, an impressive +9 plus/minus rating, and seven shots across six games played. 

Rasmus Ristolainen trade candidate momentum builds

The Athletic's Kevin Kurz reported the Flyers would listen if things tilt toward selling, but they are not treating Ristolainen like a dump. 

That extra year of term gives Philadelphia leverage, and teams looking for size and a more settled defensive game can talk themselves into paying an actual deadline price, not a bargain-bin flyer. 

Daily Faceoff also reported that multiple teams have checked in, with interest rising coming out of the Olympic break. 

This season, the 31-year-old has recorded one goal, six points, a -4 plus/minus rating, 26 blocked shots, 20 hits, and averaged 19:55 time on ice across just 19 games. 

He's struggled with injuries over his career, totaling just 113 games dating back to the 2023-24 season, so that will definitely give GMs some pause when considering a trade for him.

Dallas Stars could circle after missing Rasmus Andersson

Kurz specifically mentioned the Dallas Stars as a team to watch, especially after they lost out on Rasmus Andersson. 

Dallas has been hunting a right-side upgrade, and Ristolainen’s profile as a big minutes eater with term checks the boxes. The only real hang-up is the usual deadline math, because a $5.1 million cap hit is workable, but it is not exactly easy, and the Flyers are not looking for a minimal return.

Over his five seasons in Philadelphia, Ristolainen has put up 11 goals, 65 points, a -20 plus/minus rating, and averaged 19:49 time on ice across 253 games played. 

Photo Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | MLB Rumors