Are Ryan Ellis and Rasmus Ristolainen injured?

There’s a couple of question marks on the blueline as the Philadelphia Flyers inch closer to the season opener.

Offseason acquisitions Ryan Ellis and Rasmus Ristolainen have now missed three straight practices with the team (Saturday, Sunday, today). What were originally back to back maintenance days have become a little concerning.

Alain Vigneault said on Sunday that the pair were expected to return for Tuesday’s practice, but Ryan Ellis is a no show again. Rasmus Ristolainen wasn’t practicing with the main group, but skating with skills coach Angelo Ricci.

The Flyers are currently only carrying six defenseman after the final roster was announced yesterday. They have little to no flexibility with a projected $27,000 in cap space.

The team is already thin down the middle as Kevin Hayes (abdominal surgery) could miss up to 10 games, but it’s a good sign he’s already rehabbing on the ice.

Hopefully Ellis and Ristolainen are only dealing with some bumps and bruises as we’re three days away from the season opener.

Alain Vigneault announced after today’s practice that the pair are still on maintenance days and he’s not concerned about their status for the season opener on Friday.

AV added that Ryan Ellis is dealing with “lower body” bumps and bruises, while Rasmus Ristolainen’s are “upper body.”

The Flyers have off from practice tomorrow, but the head coach expects the two to return on Thursday.