Penguins Divisional Rivals Asking Massive Return for Top Defenseman Ahead of Deadline
Photo credit: Edit from The Detroit News
The Flyers are preparing to be sellers at the deadline, but that doesn't mean they will be letting go of their players cheaply, and expect a good return.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is a name on fire in trade speculation as the NHL deadline approaches rapidly. Teams that require a right-shot defenseman may have interest, though it will not come cheap to acquire him.
They're seeking a first-rounder and an additional asset, NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reports. Fair enough, Ristolainen is a large, physical blueliner who kills penalties, plays a heavy game, and has the ability to slip into a second-pairing role in a pinch.
"Having said that, as of Thursday, my understanding is that the Flyers hadn't received anything that came even close to getting their attention, LeBrun wrote." I believe the price tag to be a first-round pick plus another asset to get the Flyers into a serious discussion."
Ristolainen has a cap-friendly contract
And with a contract that extends through 2026-27 at a $5.1 million cap hit, the Flyers can afford to retain him, which only adds to their leverage.
Ristolainen is also playing a good season. He has posted four goals, 19 points, 87 blocks, 87 hits, and a plus-5 rating in 57 games. He is on pace for his most offense since being traded to Philadelphia in 2021-22.
With clubs consistently on the hunt for reliable right-shooting blue-liners, whether there is a club willing to pay the Flyers' price by the deadline remains to be determined.
Should the Penguins attempt a shot at acquiring the big defender from their arch-nemesis Flyers? Let us know what you think in our poll.
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