As Denver Barkey heads back to the London Knights after spending the last couple of months watching the Philadelphia Flyers' training camp from the sidelines, he reflects on his recovery from illness and coming back a stronger player than before. Philadelphia Flyers [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/] defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is a clear player to watch [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/3-flyers-trade-candidates-heading-into-new-year] as we get closer to the 2025 NHL Trade Deadline. Teams looking for [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/insiders-connect-big-flyers-defender-to-2-teams] a big right-shot defenseman who can play top-four minutes and kill penalties should be in the mix for the veteran. According to The Fourth Period [https://www.thefourthperiod.com/trade-watch-list-2025-x1], four teams who currently linked to Ristolainen are the Edmonton Oilers, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, and Winnipeg Jets. The Oilers being connected to Ristolainen is understandable. They need help on the right side of their defense after trading Cody Ceci this past off-season, and Ristolainen would give them that if acquired. The Stars notably lost Chris Tanev this past off-season and have undoubtedly missed the shutdown right-shot defenseman. Thus, Ristolainen could also make sense for them as a replacement, especially if salary is retained. Image [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjExOTc0MDMzODk2Mzg0NDg4/usatsi_25125685.jpg] The Canucks being a potential suitor for Ristolainen is also understandable. The right side of their defense could use some work, and Ristolainen would be a potential fit on their second or third pairing. He would also make their blueline tougher to go up against because of his physical style of play. As for the Jets, Ristolainen could help solidify their right side as well if acquired. He could fit nicely on their bottom pairing and be another option for their penalty kill.
