Rasmus Ristolainen’s Trade Value Takes Another Hit Amid Latest Injury Setback
Rasmus Ristolainen’s season has become a frustrating case study in how durability-or the lack of it-can derail a player’s trade value, no matter the pedigree or potential. The 31-year-old Flyers defenseman has once again landed on the shelf, this time with a lower-body injury suffered just 1:01 into his second game back from a previous upper-body issue. That’s the latest in a string of health setbacks that have turned what could’ve been a solid trade chip into a major question mark.
Let’s rewind a bit. Ristolainen’s recent seasons have been marred by significant injuries, most notably a pair of triceps tendon ruptures.
The first came during the 2023-24 campaign, cutting his season short after just 31 games. Then came another rupture in March 2025, which required surgery and kept him out of training camp and the start of the 2025-26 season.
Add in the upper-body injury that sidelined him for six games in mid-January this year, and it’s clear we’re looking at a player who hasn’t been able to stay on the ice long enough to build momentum-or value.
That’s a tough pill for the Flyers, who have reportedly made Ristolainen “very much available” ahead of the March trade deadline. There was some early-season buzz around him, especially when he was logging solid minutes in a more stay-at-home role. His contract-$5.1 million AAV through 2026-27-doesn’t exactly scream bargain, but with the right retention, there was a window where a contender might’ve seen value in adding a veteran top-four blueliner with term.
But that window’s shrinking fast.
Every time Ristolainen gets back in the lineup, it seems like another setback follows. That kind of inconsistency makes front offices nervous, especially when you’re talking about a 31-year-old defenseman with a physical style and a recent history of serious injuries. Teams looking to bolster their blue line at the deadline need reliability, and right now, Ristolainen just hasn’t been able to offer that.
It’s not a question of talent. When healthy, he’s shown he can handle big minutes, play a responsible defensive game, and bring some edge to the back end.
That’s why he was named to Team Finland’s roster for the 2026 Olympics. But even that honor comes with a bit of risk for potential suitors-if he’s not fully recovered or suffers another setback before or during the tournament, his trade value could plummet even further.
The Flyers are in a bind here. Move him now and you’re likely selling low.
Hold on and hope for a healthy stretch, and you risk another injury erasing whatever value remains. It’s a tough spot for both player and team, especially with the trade deadline inching closer and the stakes rising.
For now, all eyes are on Ristolainen’s recovery timeline. If he can get back on the ice and string together a few healthy games, maybe there’s still a deal to be made. But with each new injury, that “maybe” gets a little more uncertain.