Rasmus Ristolainen's impressive performance at the 2026 Winter Olympics has certainly put him in the spotlight. With the NHL trade deadline approaching on March 6, the buzz around the Philadelphia Flyers defenseman is intensifying. The Flyers seem open to moving Ristolainen, but acquiring him won't come cheap.
Insider Anthony DiMarco from Daily Faceoff suggests that the Flyers are eyeing a return similar to what the Boston Bruins received for Brandon Carlo last year. The Bruins managed to snag a top prospect from the Toronto Maple Leafs, a conditional first-round pick, and a third-round selection. Given Ristolainen's contract status, the Flyers are in a similar position to demand a hefty package.
Potential landing spots for Ristolainen include the Edmonton Oilers and the Bruins, both of which are reportedly exploring options to bolster their defense. However, neither has emerged as a frontrunner just yet. With the deadline looming, expect the trade talks to heat up as teams look to solidify their rosters for a playoff push.
Adding another layer to the trade dynamics, the Flyers are reportedly willing to retain some of Ristolainen's $5.1 million salary. This move could make the defenseman more attractive to teams tight on cap space, potentially increasing the Flyers' leverage in trade negotiations.
The extent of Philadelphia's willingness to retain salary remains unclear, but a team like the Oilers might need up to 50% retention to make the deal feasible. The Bruins could find themselves in a similar situation. Meanwhile, the Detroit Red Wings, with ample cap space and assets, could also be a viable trade partner, making a deal beneficial for both sides.
While there's no definitive indication that Ristolainen is heading to Detroit, the situation remains fluid. As the deadline approaches, the landscape could shift rapidly, and fans should keep an eye on how these negotiations unfold.