Buffalo Sabres: Where Does Rasmus Ristolainen Go?

Overtime Heroics Editorial

2235 days ago

As of the last few months, the Buffalo Sabres have made some noise around the league. In June, the Sabres acquired from the Vegas Golden Knights, Colin Miller, a right-shot defenseman. Shortly after, in the early part of July, they sent prospect Alex Nylander to the Chicago Blackhawks for another young player, Henri Jokiharju, also a right-shot defenseman. The Sabres already have Brandon Montour, a solid top-four defenseman they acquired at the trade deadline back in February. This leaves many to conclude that the former first-rounder in 2013 (Ristolainen) could be dealt.

Here’s a look at three teams who could be looking to acquire him:

1. Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets seem like the most realistic spot for Ristolainen. Jeff Hamilton, a journalist who covers them said this on Twitter:

I've heard they've been kicking tires. One of the few teams with available RHD, clearly a Jets need. But I think I'm with the majority on this one. Rumours include Ehlers or Roslovic/Perrault.

— Jeff Hamilton (@jeffkhamilton) July 20, 2019

The Jets have a glaring need on the right side of their defense. They shipped Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers for Neal Pionk and a first-round pick (originally theirs). The cap situation is an issue for them right now, but taking on Ristolainen’s $5.4 million dollar average annual value (AAV) contract would not hurt them too much. Sending back Nikolaj Ehlers would save them roughly over $1.5 million, but would two younger forwards be enough to replace the loss of Ristolainen? Would an Ehlers and Ristolainen one for one be a possibility? It all depends on how desperate each side is to fill that hole.

2. Edmonton Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers could make a lot of sense for Ristolainen. New GM, Ken Holland hasn’t added any major pieces up front other than taking a chance on James Neal in hoping he bounces back. The real question is, what do they give up? The Sabres have made it clear their goal is to win now and improve this team as much as they can. The name that has been tossed around in rumor mills the most is Ryan Nugent-Hopkins. It might make sense to move on from him as it will only be a good thing to get a change of scenery for both players. Pairing Ristolainen and Darnell Nurse could significantly help the Oilers this season. For the Sabres, they will be able to add a guy who can slide into the top six very nicely, and produce at a very good rate.

3. Detroit Red Wings

Earlier this offseason the Detroit Red Wings were rumored to be in on RFA Jacob Trouba. With Steve Yzerman losing out on the Trouba sweepstakes it could make sense to pull the trigger on Ristolainen. The defensive core for Detroit has to improve, and giving up on somebody like Anthony Mantha could make the Ristolainen trade work. Julien BriseBois the GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning, who worked with Yzerman over the years wanted Ristolainen “badly” at the trade deadline in February. There should be some interest from Yzerman. It may be unlikely due to the risk of trading in the same division.

Featured Image Courtesy of Dinur Blum (@rabbi_d) via Flickr

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