The Winnipeg Jets are reportedly interested in Philadelphia Flyers forward Scott Laughton and defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, according to the Daily Faceoff’s Anthony DiMarco.
Sounds like trade talks are heating up around #Flyers center Scott Laughton.
Sources indicate #Leafs and #nhljets are two of the teams who have shown the most interest, but handful of teams are in the mix.@DailyFaceoff
— Anthony Di Marco (@ADiMarco25) February 8, 2025
The Jets have been linked to the Flyers 6’4, Finnish defenseman for a large part of this season according to The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta. At 30 years old, Ristolainen has yet to make his debut in the playoffs but his size and physicality could be a valuable asset in the postseason.
Ristonlainen was a first-round pick (eighth overall) in the 2013 NHL draft but has struggled with consistency throughout his career. He’s recorded 54 goals and 300 points in his career and has become defensively responsible during Flyers’ HC John Tortorella’s tenure.
The right-handed defenseman is out of the lineup today with the Flyers hosting the Penguins but it is injury related.
Rasmus Ristolainen’s expected absence from the Flyer lineup tonight is for injury, not trade-related reasons.
4 Nations status TBD, but word is Flyers are not against Ristolainen playing if he can.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 8, 2025
Laughton, another first round pick (20th overall) from the 2012 NHL draft has been on the trade block for several years but has never been moved. The Flyers find themselves quite a distance out of a playoff spot and seem to be fully committed on moving the 30-year-old centre.
Laughton has scored 10 goals and 25 points in 53 games this season but is a defensively responsible forward who kills penalties. His career-high of 18 goals indicates that he has a solid scoring touch but the price tag the Flyers have placed on Laughton in the past has been quite high, asking for up to a first round pick.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have also been linked to both Flyer veterans and Laughton’s Oakville, ON roots may put a bit of pressure to send him to the Maple Leafs.
Kevin Cheveldayoff has been open to the media about his desire to be all in on winning a Stanley Cup this season and if the right deal presents itself, he may go for it.
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