Why Laughton, Ristolainen trades should wait until summer

January 10, 2024: The Philadelphia Flyers play a game against the Montreal Canadiens at the Wells Fargo Center.The March 8 trade deadline is fast approaching, and numerous Philadelphia Flyers have cropped up on various trade boards. Pending unrestricted free agents Sean Walker and Nick Seeler chief among them, but also players with term like Morgan Frost, Scott Laughton, and Rasmus Ristolainen.

Most Stanley Cup contending teams look to add at the deadline, and the rebuilding Flyers have some players at premium positions available. However, it may be in Philly’s best interest to sit tight on the players with term remaining for two major reasons: a stagnant cap and reticence to tie up…