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. As of late, Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has been talked about a lot in the rumor mill. This is only continuing to be the case, as NHL insider Chris Johnston has the veteran defenseman at the No. 9 spot in his latest trade board for The Athletic [https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5930174/2024/11/21/nhl-trade-board-marchand-hall-nelson/]. Here is what Johnston wrote about Ristolainen as a trade candidate: "The retooling Flyers are short on rental players to take to market in the lead-up to the deadline, but they could probably be compelled to part with the big, physical defenseman (Ristolainen) if the right deal came along." Rasmus Ristolainen [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwODg4NjM5Mjg5MjM5Mzc3/usatsi_24811087.jpg] Rasmus Ristolainen Johnston also noted that the Flyers may need to retain a portion of Ristolainen's $5.1 million cap hit. This is a common opinion regarding Ristolainen in potential trade talks, as he is under contract until the end of the 2026-27 season. If the Flyers are willing to retain some of Ristolainen's salary in a potential move, it would naturally increase his value. Playoff teams are always looking for big, mean, right-shot defensemen, and Ristolainen fits that description. In addition, he can jump up to the top four if needed and works on the penalty kill because of his shutdown ability. Rasmus Ristolainen [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MjEwNjEzNDU3NTEzMzU5MTg1/usatsi_24553127.jpg] Rasmus Ristolainen Nevertheless, there is no question that Ristolainen will be a player to watch as we get closer to the deadline. It will be intriguing to see if the Flyers end up dealing him from here. RECENT FLYERS NEWS Former Flyers Star Drawing Big Trade Interest [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/former-flyers-star-drawing-big-trade-interest] Elliotte Friedman Speculates Trading Flyers Center To Chicago [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/elliotte-friedman-speculates-trading-flyers-center-to-chicago] 2 Big Flyers Named Top Trade Candidates [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/2-big-flyers-named-top-trade-candidates] Three Takeaways From Flyers Defeat vs. Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/game-day/three-takeaways-from-flyers-defeat-vs-hurricanes] 'Hockey Canada Should Be Watching': Travis Sanheim Thriving Under Pressure And Leading Flyers Blue Line [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/hockey-canada-should-be-watching-travis-sanheim-thriving-under-pressure-and-leading-flyers-blue-line] .Gameday 20 Preview: Flyers vs. Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/game-day/gameday-20-preview-flyers-vs-hurricanes] Flyers Starting Goalie For Hurricanes Matchup [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/flyers-starting-goalie-for-hurricanes-matchup-revealed-fedotov] 4 Flyers Ruled Out For Hurricanes Matchup [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/4-flyers-ruled-out-for-hurricanes-matchup] Who Could The Flyers Call Up To Bolster Their Defense? [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/who-could-the-flyers-call-up-to-bolster-their-defense] Three Takeaways From Flyers Loss vs. Avalanche [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/game-day/three-takeaways-from-flyers-loss-vs-avalanche] Joel Farabee On Leadership, Flyers Fans & Bringing Playoffs Back To Philly [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/philadelphia-flyers/latest-news/joel-farabee-on-leadership-flyers-fans-bringing-playoffs-back-to-philly]