Flyers Demand High Price for Rasmus Ristolainen as Trade Deadline Approaches

Philadelphia seeking a first-round pick and additional assets for defenseman with one year left on contract

Mar. 3, 2026 at 4:40pm

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The Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly demanding a steep price for defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen ahead of the NHL trade deadline on Friday. According to Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco, the Flyers are seeking a first-round pick and additional assets in exchange for Ristolainen, who has one year remaining on his contract at a $5.1 million annual average value. The Flyers are not under pressure to make a deal if they don't get the offer they want, as Ristolainen is expected to remain with the team next season if a trade does not materialize.

Why it matters

Ristolainen is a valuable defenseman who has drawn interest from several teams, including the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, and Detroit Red Wings. The Flyers' high asking price reflects Ristolainen's talent and the team's leverage in trade negotiations, as they can afford to keep him if the right deal does not materialize.

The details

The Flyers are seeking a similar return to what the Toronto Maple Leafs paid for Brandon Carlo last year, according to Di Marco. The Sabres may be the most intriguing suitor, as Ristolainen began his NHL career in Buffalo. The Bruins and Stars are also interested, but may not have the necessary high-end draft capital to meet the Flyers' demands. The Red Wings may also be priced out of the Ristolainen sweepstakes, as GM Steve Yzerman is reportedly unwilling to part with top goaltending prospects or their 2023 ninth overall pick.

  • The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 3, 2026.

The players

Rasmus Ristolainen

A defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers who has one year remaining on his contract at a $5.1 million annual average value.

Anthony Di Marco

A reporter for Daily Faceoff who revealed the Flyers' trade demands for Ristolainen.

Steve Yzerman

The general manager of the Detroit Red Wings, who may not be willing to meet the Flyers' asking price for Ristolainen.

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What they’re saying

“With one year remaining on his contract at a more-than reasonable $5.1-million AAV, the Flyers would have no issue bringing Ristolainen (who by all accounts does not want to leave Philadelphia) back next season.”

— Anthony Di Marco, Reporter

“Speaking with sources, it sounds like GM Steve Yzerman isn't keen on giving up either of his goaltending prospects in Sebastian Cossa and Trey Augustine nor 2023 ninth overall pick Nate Danielson, which may take them out of the Ristolainen sweepstakes.”

— Anthony Di Marco, Reporter

What’s next

The Flyers will continue to field trade offers for Rasmus Ristolainen leading up to the NHL trade deadline on Friday, March 3, 2026. If they do not receive an offer that meets their high asking price of a first-round pick and additional assets, they may choose to keep Ristolainen for the remainder of the season.

The takeaway

The Flyers' steep trade demands for Rasmus Ristolainen highlight the value they place on the defenseman, who has drawn interest from several teams. This case demonstrates the challenges teams can face in acquiring top-tier talent at the trade deadline, as the Flyers are willing to hold firm on their price rather than settle for a lesser return.