Flyers make two major lineup changes following a surprise defensemen's return

Taking on the former underdogs once led by Barry Trotz but now drifting aimlessly are the 2nd best team in the Metropolitan Division.

In an effort to take advantage of that, John Tortorella and the Flyers have activated defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen off of long-term injured reserve.

Despite participating in practice in full-contract gear, Ristolainen will not be inserted into tonight's lineup.

Ristolainen was sidelined until recently due to an undisclosed injury. It wasn't until October 9th of this season that he was listed out. He is in the second season of his $25.5 million contract, having played in 74 games under John Tortorella in 2022-2023, scoring three goals and twenty points.

After flourishing in his absence, Egor Zamula will no longer be in the lineup after his return.

Morgan Frost will also draw in to the lineup against the Islanders tonight after being a regular healthy scratch recently.

As Frost has been in Tortorella's doghouse despite being his team's better offensive forwards analytically, he will have another chance to prove him wrong, which should be challenging.

Frost, the former 40+ point forward will look to re-establish his game and identity against tonight.