Rasmus Ristolainen has been flying under the radar this season. After missing the first two months due to an upper-body injury and dealing with a separate lower-body issue, the defenseman hasn't been in the spotlight. But all that changed recently.
Ristolainen delivered a standout performance for Team Finland at the Winter Olympics, showcasing his physical and defensively sound play. He notched two assists and a +7 rating, tying for second among all players in the tournament over five games. This resurgence has certainly caught the attention of NHL general managers.
Flyers reporter Charlie O’Connor noted that Ristolainen is impressing many NHL GMs during the tournament. While his performance is eye-catching, concerns about his injury history remain, though he's undoubtedly boosting his stock.
Now 31, Ristolainen is in the fourth year of a five-year, $25.5 million contract with the Flyers. This season, he has six points in 19 games.
Should the Oilers Consider Ristolainen?
With Stan Bowman shifting focus to strengthening the blue line, particularly on the right side, Ristolainen emerges as an intriguing candidate. His Olympic performance has certainly made waves, as Jason Gregor recently highlighted him as a potential target for the Oilers.
When healthy, Ristolainen can handle top-four minutes and bring a playoff-ready style to Edmonton. The Oilers saw his impact firsthand in the semifinals when he effectively challenged Connor McDavid.
However, acquiring Ristolainen isn't straightforward. His $5.1 million cap hit poses a significant hurdle, requiring GM Danny Brière to possibly retain a portion of it to facilitate a trade. Moreover, his health and injury history remain major concerns.
Despite these risks, Ristolainen's recent play shows he has considerable upside. If everything aligns, he could be a valuable asset, making him a player worth considering for the Oilers.