Flyers’ Ristolainen out for 4 Nations Face-Off

The Flyers announced Sunday that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen will not participate in the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off for Team Finland as “he continues to recover from an upper-body injury.” Sportnet is reporting that Senators defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo will be replacing the injured blueliner at the tournament featuring Canada, the U.S., Sweden and Finland.

Although it might be a bonus for the Flyers as it gives Ristolainen more time to heal and possibly be ready for the Feb. 22 game against Edmonton, it is probably very disappointing to him personally. Playing for your country at any tournament is often seen as an honor and players take pride in donning their nation’s colors. But it’s better to have Ristolainen fully healthy for the stretch run.

Ristolainen, who was underwent surgery last April for a ruptured tricep tendon, was healthy most of the season, playing in 54 of the team’s first 57 games. He has two goals and 13 assists for 15 points and is a plus three in terms of plus/minus. Ristolainen’s play was strong most of the season, becoming one of the Flyers’ more dependable defensemen, far removed from when he first arrived in Philadelphia for the 2021-22 season. His last game was the Flyers’ 2-0 shutout loss to Colorado on Feb. 2.

The timing of the injury might hamper general manager Danny Briere possibly trading Ristolainen before the deadline. He remains in trade conversation around the league and could be dealt depending on what Briere believes is value for parting with him. Ristolainen’s contract expires at the conclusion of the 2026-27 season and has an annual cap hit of $5.1 million.

Ristolainen’s removal from the Finnish roster means three Flyers players will be participating: Travis Sanheim and Travis Konecny for Team Canada and Sam Ersson for Team Sweden. Coach John Tortorella will be an assistant coach for Team USA as Penguins’ head coach Mike Sullivan will be head coach.