Sabres Rumored for Trade Reunion with Flyers Star Defenseman

Buffalo could get a lot better with this addition.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 2:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Buffalo Sabres are reportedly interested in reacquiring defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers before the NHL trade deadline. Ristolainen was originally drafted 8th overall by the Sabres in 2013 and spent his first 8 NHL seasons in Buffalo, recording 245 points in 542 games. He was traded to the Flyers in 2021 but has struggled this season, playing just 22 games with 6 points. The Sabres could look to bring back the 31-year-old blueliner to bolster their defensive depth as they make a surprising playoff push.

Why it matters

Ristolainen was a key part of the Sabres' roster for nearly a decade, and his potential return could provide a significant boost to Buffalo's defense as they aim to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2011. The Sabres have been one of the NHL's biggest surprises this season, and adding an experienced defenseman like Ristolainen could help them solidify their position in the playoff race.

The details

According to NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, the Sabres would make sense as a trade destination for Ristolainen if they look to upgrade their defensive unit before the March 6 trade deadline. Ristolainen, who is 6'4" and shoots right-handed, has struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season, recording just 1 goal and 5 assists in 22 games for the Flyers. However, he was a consistent contributor during his time in Buffalo, posting 245 points in 542 games for the Sabres.

  • The NHL trade deadline is on Friday, March 6, 2026.
  • Ristolainen was originally drafted 8th overall by the Sabres in the 2013 NHL Draft.
  • Ristolainen spent his first 8 NHL seasons with the Sabres from 2013 to 2021.
  • Ristolainen was traded from the Sabres to the Flyers in July 2021.

The players

Rasmus Ristolainen

A 31-year-old defenseman who was originally drafted 8th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in 2013 and spent his first 8 NHL seasons with the team, recording 245 points in 542 games. He was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers in 2021 and has struggled this season, playing just 22 games with 6 points.

Buffalo Sabres

An NHL team based in Buffalo, New York that is currently in a surprising position to be buyers at the trade deadline as they make a push for the playoffs.

Philadelphia Flyers

An NHL team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that currently employs defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“NHL insider Elliotte Friedman shared on his podcast on Monday that the Sabres would make sense for a reunion with Rasmus Ristolainen if Buffalo seeks out an upgrade to its defensive depth chart.”

— Elliotte Friedman, NHL Insider

What’s next

The Sabres will have until the March 6 trade deadline to decide if they want to pursue a reunion with Rasmus Ristolainen and add the veteran defenseman to their roster.

The takeaway

The Sabres' potential reunion with Rasmus Ristolainen highlights their surprising position as trade deadline buyers as they make a push for the playoffs. Bringing back the experienced defenseman could provide a significant boost to Buffalo's blue line and help solidify their postseason chances.