NHL Trade Rumors: Edmonton Oilers eye bold blue-line upgrade with Rasmus Ristolainen ahead of deadline

Edmonton Oilers and Rasmus Ristolainen trade talk is picking up as the NHL deadline gets closer. The Olympics may have paused the league schedule, but they quietly reshaped the trade market.

A strong international showing can change how a player is valued, and this year was no different. Front offices returned from the break with fresh notes, and Edmonton’s need on defense once again rose to the surface. Their search for stability on the blue line has led them toward a familiar type of solution.There is urgency in Edmonton’s thinking. This is a team built to contend now, not later. Defensive depth has been a lingering concern, especially alongside their core.

As the March 6 deadline approaches, their attention has narrowed on one name who answered questions on a big stage and may now be playing his way into a defining move.

Edmonton Oilers' Rasmus Ristolainen interest grows after Olympics showcase

The connection between the Edmonton Oilers and Rasmus Ristolainen did not appear out of nowhere. His Olympic performance for Finland reminded teams exactly what he offers. He played heavy minutes, handled pressure well, and helped secure a bronze medal.

Performances like that tend to travel fast across front offices.Interest built steadily. Insider Anthony Di Marco of Daily Faceoff reported, “Sources tell Daily Faceoff the Flyers got significant traction over the Olympic break on Ristolainen – and the interest increased as the tournament went on and his play with Finland continued to impress.” That timing matters. Teams often finalize their targets during this window, and Ristolainen placed himself firmly on that list.He remains under contract with the Philadelphia Flyers through the 2026-27 season at a $5.1 million cap hit. That term gives him value beyond a short playoff push. For Edmonton, though, it also complicates the math. Cap space is tight. Any serious attempt likely requires money moving the other way, and forward Andrew Mangiapane has surfaced in speculation as one possible piece to balance a deal.The market is not quiet. Di Marco added, “I’ve heard five or six teams have checked in on Ristolainen over the last 14 days or so, and word is starting to circulate that interest is on the upswing.”

Among those believed to be watching closely are the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, and Detroit Red Wings.Philadelphia appears open to listening. They are willing to retain part of his salary if the return justifies it. That flexibility could make the difference for contenders managing tight payrolls.For Edmonton, the fit is clear. They have been searching for a right shot defenseman capable of playing demanding minutes. Ristolainen’s Olympic usage answered that question. Now it becomes a matter of timing, assets, and how badly they want to solve a problem that has lingered all season.