Flyers Must Trade Veteran Defenseman Before 2026 NHL Deadline

Philadelphia looks to recoup assets by moving Rasmus Ristolainen amid team's struggles this season.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 4:09am

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The Philadelphia Flyers are struggling this season and sit near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. With the NHL Trade Deadline approaching on March 6, 2026, the team must look to move veteran defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, who they acquired in a big trade in 2021. Ristolainen has struggled with injuries this season, playing in just 19 games, but could still have value for a contending team looking to bolster their blue line for a playoff push.

Why it matters

The Flyers need to recoup future assets as they rebuild, and trading Ristolainen before the deadline could allow them to get good value for the defenseman while his stock is still relatively high. Ristolainen is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027, so a trade now would give the acquiring team an extra season with the player.

The details

The Flyers acquired Ristolainen in 2021, sending Robert Hagg, a first-round pick, and a third-round pick to the Buffalo Sabres. While Ristolainen has been a capable defenseman for the Flyers, he has struggled with injuries, playing in just 19 games so far this season due to a triceps injury and a brief stint on injured reserve. His injury history could impact his trade value, but the Flyers will still look to move him before the deadline to recoup future assets.

  • Ristolainen made his season debut in December 2025 after recovering from a triceps injury.
  • In January 2026, Ristolainen went on injured reserve for a brief period.
  • The 2026 NHL Trade Deadline is set for March 6, 2026.

The players

Rasmus Ristolainen

A veteran defenseman for the Philadelphia Flyers who has struggled with injuries this season, playing in just 19 games so far.

Daniel Briere

The general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, who will be looking to make trades to recoup future assets as the team rebuilds.

Rick Tocchet

The new head coach of the Philadelphia Flyers, who has been tasked with turning the team around this season.

Matvei Michkov

The Flyers' top prospect, who has struggled to find his footing at the NHL level so far.

Trevor Zegras

A trade acquisition for the Flyers who has had a turnaround season, posting his best offensive numbers since 2022-23.

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What’s next

The Flyers will need to determine Ristolainen's trade value and find a suitable deal before the March 6, 2026 trade deadline.

The takeaway

The Flyers' struggles this season have put them in a position where they need to trade veteran assets like Rasmus Ristolainen to recoup future draft capital and rebuild the team. Moving Ristolainen before the trade deadline could allow them to get good value for the defenseman while his stock is still relatively high.