Obviously, the last couple of years, starting from training camp, I’ve obviously been hurt,” Ristolainen admitted. For a player like Ristolainen—whose game is built on physicality, endurance, and a punishing style of play—health is everything.

Although it's been widely expected that Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen would be getting a change of scenery between now and the March 7 NHL Trade Deadline, that might no longer be the case. “The needle, at the moment, is inching back ...

Kevin Kurz: Have been told that the Philadelphia Flyers haven’t received many calls on defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, something they weren’t expecting. There seems to be a good chance now that Ristolainen will remain with the Flyers past the deadline.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have been linked to Scott Laughton ahead of the trade deadline, and now we know this is not the first time they have pursued the Flyers forward. According to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta, Toronto was close to acquiring Laughton two years ago at the NHL Draft before ultimately deciding against the deal.

Rantanen, who was traded to Carolina from the Colorado Avalanche in January, is set to hit free agency on July 1 and has yet to sign an extension with the Hurricanes. Despite stru

Likely – Brandon Tanev (Kraken), Joel Armia (Canadiens), and Ryan Donato (Blackhawks). Never say never – Brock Nelson (Islanders), Mikko Rantanen (Hurricanes), and Brad Marchand (Bruins).