As the NHL trade deadline looms, the Edmonton Oilers are making waves with potential moves on the horizon. Fresh off the Olympic break, the Oilers have reportedly shown interest in Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
While both the Oilers and Boston Bruins have inquired about him, neither team has emerged as a frontrunner just yet. However, the potential fit for Edmonton is intriguing.
Why Ristolainen Fits in Edmonton
The Oilers have been on the hunt for a right-handed defenseman to solidify their top four alongside Darnell Nurse. With Evan Bouchard thriving next to Mattias Ekholm, the second pairing remains an area to bolster, especially for those high-pressure playoff moments.
Ristolainen, standing tall at 6-4, brings physicality and a stay-at-home style that the Oilers' blue line occasionally lacks. While his possession stats-an expected goals-for percentage of 47.38 and a goals-for percentage of 31.25 at five-on-five-aren’t stellar, context is key. The Flyers have had their struggles, and Ristolainen has often been tasked with tough defensive duties.
In Edmonton, Ristolainen could offer edge, penalty-killing prowess, and crease-clearing capabilities. With Paul Coffey back to mentor the defense, the Oilers might find a way to refine Ristolainen’s role, giving him a fresh start with clearer expectations.
Lineup Integration
Should the trade go through, Ristolainen would ideally slot in alongside Nurse on the second pair. This setup allows Ekholm and Bouchard to remain as one of the league's top duos when healthy.
Projected defensive pairings could look like this:
- Ekholm - Bouchard
- Nurse - Ristolainen
- Walman - Emberson/Stastney
Ristolainen’s addition could ease some of Nurse’s defensive responsibilities, allowing him to leverage his skating in transition more effectively. Meanwhile, Jake Walman on the third pair ensures a balanced defensive lineup.
Navigating the Cap
Here’s where things get interesting. Ristolainen carries a $5.1 million cap hit through next season, which means the Oilers need to maneuver financially. Andrew Mangiapane, with a $3.6 million cap hit, has been floated in trade scenarios.
One potential deal could involve sending Mangiapane, Calvin Pickard ($1.0 million), prospect Beau Akey, and a 2026 second-round pick to the Flyers for Ristolainen. However, Mangiapane’s no-trade clause could complicate matters. If he doesn’t waive it, the Oilers might need to explore other options, possibly involving a third team or different players.
For the Flyers, acquiring Mangiapane would add a locked-in forward, while Akey and a second-round pick align with their rebuilding efforts.
Weighing the Cost
The Flyers’ asking price is steep, reminiscent of the haul Boston paid for Brandon Carlo last year. Without a first-round pick this season, the Oilers are unlikely to part with future firsts or top prospects like Matt Savoie or Isaac Howard unless the stakes rise dramatically.
The Oilers must decide if Ristolainen is the missing piece for their defense or just another option in a tight market. With the deadline approaching, GM Stan Bowman faces a critical decision. If Mangiapane agrees to waive his clause and the price stays reasonable, this trade could fortify Edmonton’s defense for a playoff push.
Otherwise, the search continues.