It was not the trade deadline that many were hoping for as the Philadelphia Flyers seemingly stood their ground without accumulating futures in what was a seller’s market.
They did come out of it with former first round pick David Jiříček from the Minnesota Wild, but they kept Rasmus Ristolainen despite reported interest from several teams, and their other moves included moving Nicolas Deslauriers for a conditional 7th and claiming Luke Glendening off waivers.
Many were speculating what a package for Ristolainen would come to, especially with his improved play of late, team control beyond this season, and comparable defensemen being acquired for 1st or 2nd rounders.
As the deadline came and went, the Flyers kept Ristolainen, but it wasn’t all too surprising if you read the through the tea leaves. They were never in any rush or panic to make a move, they had mentioned before the season started that they weren’t planning on subtracting anymore, and for whatever reason, they feel confident in their current roster construction.
They ultimately felt that losing Ristolainen was going to be too much for them to overcome this year, and that it would allow Jiříček and Oliver Bonk to further develop their games in the minors for the time being, as reported by DFO’s Anthony Di Marco.
“According to sources, hanging onto Ristolainen was not only about holding firm on their price – it was for the benefit of the team. After acquiring David Jiricek from the Minnesota Wild and already having Oliver Bonk in the AHL (both right-hand shooting defensemen), retaining Ristolainen allows the Flyers to be patient with both young defensemen, according to sources.”
He also mentioned that the Flyers perused the market but weren’t able to find what they were looking for. According to those sources, the Flyers offered Ristolainen and another roster player for a prospect and roster defensemen, but were turned down.
“While the price for Ristolainen was ideally a first-round pick-plus, the Flyers were open to other types of moves. According to sources, the Flyers offered Ristolainen and a roster player to an Eastern Conference team for a prospect and a roster defenseman; the move was ultimately turned down by the other team.”
As for offers sent their way, Di Marco mentions things never truly materialized, but there was the potential for them to receive a first round pick with the caveat being that they had to take on an undesirable contract in return – which was something the Flyers weren’t comfortable in doing.
“Reading the tea leaves, the sense is that, while there was never an official trade offer, there was potential for the Flyers to get a first-round pick on deadline day from an Eastern Conference team for Ristolainen. However, it would’ve required the Flyers to take back a less than ideal contract without additional compensation; Philadelphia was clearly not open to doing so.”
Di Marco adds that they will likely revisit the Ristolainen chatter next year, and should they not be in playoff contention, will look to offload the soon-to-be UFA defenseman for – at least – a second round pick. However, it seems abundantly clear that he is not in their future plans beyond 2026-27.
“The Flyers could look to revisit a trade in the summer for Ristolainen, but they also feel like they could hang onto him into next season and re-evaluate at the deadline next year. If the team is in the playoffs, they could hang onto him as an “own rental,’” and if they’re out of the playoffs they could move him; they believe they’ll be able to get a second-round pick (which was offered this year) next season around this time. And to be clear, there is no plan one way or another to re-sign Ristolainen beyond this next season.”
So, while rumours were abound for what the Flyers could have received in exchange for the Finnish defender, it seems that the market wasn’t actually as robust. They could have taken on a bad contract for a first round pick, or taken a second round pick straight up, but they reportedly weren’t up for something like that this season.
The Flyers like what he brings to the table, which was something they felt they couldn’t replace with what they have in the minor leagues at the moment. Plucking him out of the top-4 was something the front office wasn’t willing to do, despite their desolate playoff chances, so now the scene shifts towards the offseason, or perhaps next year’s deadline – if they’re out of playoff contention.
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