Flyers' Ristolainen Expected to Miss Start of 2025-26 Season After Surgery

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is expected to miss the start of the 2025-26 NHL season after undergoing surgery on his triceps, marking a recurrence of the same injury he suffered previously. General manager Daniel Briere confirmed that the injury is 'very similar' to the one Ristolainen dealt with last season and will keep him out until at least the early part of next season. Ristolainen, who missed the final 16 games of the 2024-25 season as a result, recorded 19 points in 63 games and was third among Flyers defensemen in average ice time. His absence will likely affect the team’s defensive depth and could impact trade discussions around the veteran blueliner, who is under contract through 2026-27 with a $5.1 million annual cap hit. The recurring nature of his injury adds to concerns about his long-term availability for the Flyers.