The Daily: More Flyers Trades Coming; Could Rasmussen Net 20?

The Philadelphia Flyers’ acquisition Jamie Drysdale may just be the first of several moves the team may make before the NHL trade deadline.

Jonathan Bailey writes for PHN that the Flyers have eight desirable defensemen on their roster. There have been several reports about teams making calls to Philadelphia about who they might be willing to move. Sportsnet hockey insider Elliotte Friedman reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs have interest in Rasmus Ristolainen, but the Flyers were not eager to move him.

But Drysdale’s arrival could change everything.

As Bailey points out, Philadelphia coach John Tortorella likes left-shooting Travis Sanheim playing the right side. Now, Philadelphia has three right-shot defensemen in Drysdale, Ristolainen and Sean Walker.

Walker is a solid defender and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. He would be a good candidate to move to a contender as a rental.

The Flyers have said they will not forsake their rebuilding plan, even though they are in contention to make the playoffs.  That sounds like they won’t turn down a good offer for Walker.

There's a new blueliner on Broad Street. #LetsGoFlyers pic.twitter.com/UxpMe3PIh8

— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) January 9, 2024

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Michael Rasmussen has seven goals in 14 games. That’s not an amazing streak. But his nine goals on the season give him a shot at 20 goals. When you consider his other contributions, that’s a noteworthy total. Bob wrote an insightful column Monday about how valuable Rasmussen is starting to be for the Detroit squad.
• Axel Sandin Pellikka‘s injury is a tough blow for a player who was enjoying a remarkable season as an 18-year-old in the Swedish Hockey League.
• The Red Wings are going to face a string of quality teams this month. This schedule will give us a better understanding of whether they have a legitimate shot to make the playoffs.
• No word officially, but it seems likely that Alex Lyon (4-1 in his last five starts) will start for Detroit against the Oilers.

Red Wings Next Game

The Edmonton Oilers have won eight in a row and 16 of their last 19. They will be the Red Wings opponent at Little Caesars Arena Thursday night. The Red Wings have won four of their last five, but will need a strong 60-minute defensive effort against an Oilers squad with dynamic offensive potential.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: Goalie Linus Ullmark suffers apparent groin injury in the Boston Bruins’ overtime loss to Arizona. Matthew Poitras was also injured.

Chicago: Nate Brown has four observations about the Chicago Blackhawks 2-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers.

Pittsburgh: Shelly Anderson of PHN writes that Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby have assisted on Drew O’Connor’s development for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Hello darkness, my old friend. That’s the headline Sheng Peng put on his look at the San Jose Sharks’ 12th consecutive loss.

Vegas: Chris Gawlik lays out what the Vegas Golden Knights may be thinking about heading into the NHL trade deadline.