Today, the Flyers announced that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen underwent successful surgery on his right triceps tendon rupture on March 26, 2025. The surgery was performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, CA.
Ristolainen is expected to miss 2025 training camp and be out about six months. He is expected to make a full recovery, and Ristolainen might be able to return to the team at sometime in October/November.
Unfortunately, Ristolainen’s injury history is notable, as this is a reinjury of the same triceps tendon he had surgically repaired in April 2024. That earlier procedure, performed by Dr. Keith Meister, had a three-month recovery timeline, allowing him to be ready for the 2024 training camp. However, the 2025 surgery suggests a more significant or recurring issue, as Flyers GM Danny Briere noted the injury was identified post-trade deadline and is “very similar” to the prior one.
Ristolainen’s absence at the start of the 2025-26 season could impact the Flyers’ defensive lineup, especially given his physical presence and improved play under former Head Coach John Tortorella. In the 2024-25 season, he recorded four goals and 15 assists in 63 games, while averaging 20:31 of ice time, though his season was cut short by this injury. His return in October/November would likely see him resume a middle-pairing role, with limited power-play time, as his 2024-25 role showed reduced minutes compared to earlier in his career.
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