With the trade deadline just one week away, the one Flyers name that remains prominent in trade rumors is Rasmus Ristolainen.
The Finnish defenseman, fresh off his bronze medal in Milan, has seen his stock raise to an all time high. His play at the Olympics has solidified his value as the top right shot defenseman on the market.
While the Flyers don’t have to trade Ristolainen, who has one more year left at a very reasonable $5M, the market may force their hand.
“The next few days just trying to talk to certain guys about (deadline),” Rick Tocchet said before last nights game. “That’s the world we live in, right? It’s a lot of speculation. You know, 90% of its rumors, but things could happen.”
Currently on the trade front, there is no one available that matches the 31-year-old’s value and impact.
Tyler Myers, who is currently sitting out for “trade related reasons”, is close in comparison. But, he is five years older and approaching the end of his career.
Teams willing to shelf out high draft capital for Myers could quickly pivot to Ristolainen. Especially, if they miss out on the towering 6’8″ defenseman.
Detroit, Dallas, Boston, and Tampa have all shown interest in Myers.
Many believe one of the firm offers on the table for Myers is from Detroit. With his full trade clause, however, that doesn’t seem like a place he wants to go.
Before the Olympic break, Detroit was one of the teams that showed early interest in Ristolainen as well. If Myers truly doesn’t want to go to Detroit, they are a team to watch for Ristolainen.
Another team who has shown interest in Ristolainen is Boston.
The Bruins have a glaring hole in their Top4 on defense after trading Brandon Carlo last season. Something that GM Don Sweeney is looking to fill at the deadline.
According to sources, the calls on Ristolainen have picked up in recent days. At least 4-5 teams have been in constant contact with Danny Briere over the past few days.
While its still too early to tell if the Flyers will plug the trigger on a Ristolainen trade, talks are starting to increase. Talks that should pick up to potential offers on the table over the next few days.
Briere is known to hold out and show patience until his price has been reached. His patience in the past has netted the Flyers 1st round picks for Sean Walker and Scott Laughton.
For Ristolainen, according to sources, the Flyers are looking for at least a 1st round pick. One source added they are looking for a package similar to the deal that sent Brandon Carlo to Toronto last season.
Toronto traded a 1st round pick and Fraser Minten, a former 2nd round pick, to Boston for Carlo.
Like Carlo, Ristolainen will also come with term, which will give his value a boost as well.
If the market is there and a bidding war happens to unfold, the return may come close to just that. Which, in the end, may be too much for Briere to pass up.
