Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and forward Scott Laughton are drawing significant trade interest as the team considers its options leading up to the March 7 NHL trade deadline.
TSN’s Darren Dreger shared new information while appearing on Wednesday's "Insider Trading" segment, highlighting the active role Flyers GM Daniel Briere is playing in fielding calls for both players.
"The Philadelphia Flyers are still in the building process of building a long-term foundation," Dreger said. "Danny Briere is one of the more active GMs and he's taken a lot of calls.
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"There's a ton of interest, as we know, in veteran defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen.
"Here's another interesting name that's been out there on and off over the last couple of years, but back on. Not that Philadelphia wants to get rid of him, but Scott Laughton is a centreman that is drawing a crowd."
Ristolainen has struggled to produce offensively this season with just one goal and five assists in 23 games. Despite this, his size and potential as a top-four defenseman make him an appealing player.
"I mean, [Ristolainen] is a top-four D and he's got a couple of years after this year on term," Dreger said. "So, that also checks the box in his favor."
Meanwhile, Laughton has eight points in 22 games including two goals and six assists. He's a solid bottom-six forward and has averaged more than 15 minutes of ice time in all last four seasons (this year he's close at 14:47).
"Lots of interest in [Laughton], but--again--not eager to move him," Dreger said. "So, if they have to listen closer to the deadline, it's going to take a premium draft pick or likely a top young prospect or NHL player."
The Flyers, currently 10-10-3 and fifth in the Metropolitan Division, are still closer to being a rebuilding team than one with realistic chances at contention.
While still navigating its rebuilding process, Philadelphia should be open to trading veteran players such as Ristolainen and Laughton, both 30 years old, to gather prospects and good draft picks.
With a young core highlighted by Matvei Michkov as a key member for the future of the franchise and the player to build around, the Flyers appear committed to a long-term rebuild more than retooling.
