Winnipeg Jets Interested in Trade for Flyers Defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen
The Winnipeg Jets are off to a strong start this season, but recent NHL trade rumors suggest they may look to solidify their defense even further.
NHL insider Chris Johnston recently placed Rasmus Ristolainen on his list of top trade candidates, specifically highlighting the Jets as a potential landing spot for the Philadelphia Flyers’ defenseman. Johnston’s insight suggests that Winnipeg is in the market for a bigger, more physical presence on their blue line, which Ristolainen could provide.
Ristolainen, a 6’4” defenseman with an imposing frame, has built a reputation for his physical style of play. Although his contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $5.1 million and extends through the 2026-27 season, his physicality and experience could fill a key role in Winnipeg’s defensive structure.
However, there are financial considerations to address if a trade were to materialize. As Johnston notes, the Flyers may need to retain some salary or include additional assets to make the deal appealing for the Jets.
While Ristolainen was once regarded as a top-four defenseman, his play has settled more into a third-pairing role. For the Jets, this presents both an opportunity and a question: is the potential upgrade in size and physicality worth taking on Ristolainen’s contract at this stage? The Jets currently have a balanced blue line, yet adding Ristolainen would enhance their physical presence against opponents, especially for playoff pushes.
There’s also speculation that if the Flyers are motivated to offload some of Ristolainen’s contract, they may add a prospect or a draft pick to sweeten the pot. Such an incentive could be the tipping point for the Jets, who have a strong core and could benefit from bolstering their depth without compromising their long-term salary cap.
Stay Updated with the Latest Winnipeg Jets News
For the latest Winnipeg Jets news, check out our daily fantasy hockey predictions, discover what happened on this day in NHL history (October 31), and find out what channel the Jets game is on TV today on our website. Add nhltraderumor.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletter below!
