With the NHL trade deadline now less than two weeks away (March 6), interest in Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is picking up steam as multiple clubs begin exploring upgrades on the blue line. Sources report that “five or six teams” around the league have checked in on the veteran defenseman, with both the Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers among the clubs taking an early look at what it might take to acquire him.
Ristolainen, 31, signed a five-year extension with the Flyers in 2022 that carries a $5.1 million cap hit, making cap considerations a key factor in any potential deal. While neither Boston nor Edmonton has reportedly emerged as a “serious landing spot” yet both see the veteran as a potential depth addition, Boston to bolster right-side depth behind Charlie McAvoy and Henri Jokiharju, and Edmonton as a second-pairing partner for Evan Bouchard.
Ristolainen’s value has been improved by a strong showing in the recently concluded 2026 Winter Olympics, where he helped Finland to a bronze medal and impressed scouts with his defensive awareness.
The Flyers are reportedly seeking a first-round pick as the start to any trade package.
