Two Intriguing Trade Candidates for Flyers Defenseman

It’s been a busy offseason for the Philadelphia Flyers. In the span of a month, general manager Daniel Briere acquired Trevor Zegras, extended Cam York and signed center Christian Dvorak. Now, with three months to go before the start of the season, Briere’s goal is to move on from the past and embrace the future.

Players from the past like Garnet Hathaway and Samuel Ersson are potential trade candidates. But the most enticing offseason trade piece could be Swedish defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. The Swedish defenseman’s season came to an abrupt end when he suffered a right triceps tendon rupture. He’s currently slated to make a full recovery by October.

Ristolainen has two years left on his contract at $5M per year. He’s an imposing, physical defenseman that would make a major impact on a team seeking the Stanley Cup. To top it all off, several teams have expressed interest in his skills. When it comes to Ristolainen, the Flyers have two options at their disposal: a trade for the present, or a move for the future.

Flyers Could Make Move with Red Wings

The Detroit Red Wings are in a pickle. They’ve gone nine consecutive years without playing in the postseason. Their defensive corps, apart from Moritz Seider, Simon Edvinsson and Albert Johansson leaves a lot to be desired. Ristolainen is the exact kind of player the Red Wings should seek out this offseason.

The Red Wings are currently trying to move center Andrew Copp. The team signed Copp to a five-year deal in 2022. He has two years left on his deal $5.625M per year. A one-for-one deal trading Copp for Ristolainen could be a win-win for both parties.

The Flyers could help bolster their offensive depth while the Red Wings could improve their defense. The salary and term are near-identical and provide both players with a fresh start.

Flyers Could Swing for the Fences with Playoff Team

If the Flyers are looking for a long-term move, however, they could reach out to prospective playoff teams. One team linked to Ristolainen is the Toronto Maple Leafs. Two months ago, Ottawa Sun reporter Bruce Garrioch noted that the Maple Leafs were very interested in Ristolainen at the trade deadline.

“It should be noted that the Toronto Maple Leafs tried desperately to get Ristolainen at the trade deadline in March, and were rebuffed. The Leafs offered the moon and couldn’t get him out of there,” Garrioch added.

With that in mind, what sort of deal could an “offer the moon” present for the Flyers? High draft picks and prospects seem almost inevitable. But, if the Flyers weren’t prepared to make that move before, what would inspire them now?

In a pre-draft press conference, Briere stressed the importance of the future.  “It might be enticing to get a player that could help you for a year or two. But if you think down the road the player who is just a number now could be way more valuable in three, four, five years…that’s what we’re constantly trying to evaluate.”

This indicates Briere’s focus on a burgeoning youth movement. Where the Maple Leafs are lacking in draft capital they make up in prospects. Players like Topi Niemala and Easton Cowan, should the Flyers retain salary, could absolutely be on the table for a trade.

Ultimately, it will depend on whether Briere and Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving come to a mutual understanding.