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When he’s been healthy the past two seasons, Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has played some of the best all-around hockey of his NHL career. No, he’s not a power play regular or a 40-plus point player like he was in Buffalo. He won’t rank first or second in credited hits anymore among NHL defensemen. However, he became a better NHL hockey player under former Flyers defenseman coach Brad Shaw.
Ristolainen played much more under control the last couple years when available to play. He didn’t take himself out of position near as often just for the sake a crushing hit. Likewise, he didn’t get caught up ice or over-commit nearly as frequently. He moved his feet much more consistently.
Surgeries ended Flyers D season in 2024 and 2025
Unfortunately, he’s also had significant injury issues the last two seasons. Right triceps tears prematurely ended his 2023-24 and and 2024-25 seasons. On Exit Day 2025, Flyers general manager Daniel Briere said the player might not be ready for the start of the 2025-26 regular season.
Unfortunately, there’s no dramatic change this summer. The Flyers do not expect Ristolainen to miss the entire season. The prognosis remains an eventual full recovery. Nevertheless, the big Finn could see another belated start. Moreover, the recurrent nature of the problem has to be at least something of a concern. Ristolainen’s contract runs through the 2026-27 season at a $5.1 million average annual value.
The player greatly enjoyed working with Shaw as his defensive coach. He also came to a better place with former head coach John Tortorella after a rocky start. Meanwhile, new head coach Rick Tocchet and new assistant Todd Reirden work fine with similar players. Look for a smooth adjustment when Ristolainen returns to play.
Team Finland named Ristolainen to its preliminary 4 Nations roster last season. Unfortunately, the ruptured right triceps tendon forced Ristolainen to withdraw from the tournament.
Flyers signed Juulsen for right-side depth
In the latest Monday’s with Meltzer edition of Flyers Daily, host Jason Myrtetus and I talk about Ristolainen and the team’s right defense alternatives. Noah Juulsen, a free agent signing this summer, appears to be at the front of the line. Right shot defense prospect Helge Grans will also get a look in camp.
Over the course of the 45-minute episode, Jason and I tackle a variety of other pre-camp questions. What are reasonable expectations for Travis Konecny and Matvei Michkov? What does the organization hope to see from Oliver Bonk in his rookie pro season? Can Travis Sanheim show the career-best form he displayed in the first half of 2024-25?
“No, he’s not a power play regular or a 40-plus point player like he was in Buffalo. He won’t rank first or second in credited hits anymore among NHL defensemen. ”
He’s being asked to do less. What he was traded to be, what he was extended to be, what the Flyers wanted him to be, that player doesn’t exist. The Flyers trying to salvage something from a player they overpaid for in both draft picks and 5 year contract is what this is. It’s not like they could bury him in the minors with that contract so at least they’ve extracted some value from him when he’s not in the hot tub.
What’s sad is that his best year in 4 years with the Flyers would still rank as his worst full year with the Sabres.