How likely are Ristolainen and Laughton to get dealt at the deadline? Plus a Cam York extension? Emil Andrae’s response and more.

Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has been a target of criticism for the team this season, but head coach John Tortorella firmly defended him when speaking to the media.

TORONTO ― There was a lot of hope about the Flyers’ power play when the season started. Matvei Michkov and his creativity and nose-for-the-net arrived over the summer. Retired in-house specialists like John LeClair and Patrick Sharp were consulted and involved in meetings.

He came to his own player's rescue on Monday. Tortorella fired shots toward reporters after practice in regards to how defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has been portrayed by them as of late.

John Tortorella knows veteran rearguard Rasmus Ristolainen can be a lightning rod for criticism, and the Philadelphia Flyers coach isn't having it. "You (media) guys are gonna hate him," he said ...