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Insider Believes Buffalo Seeking A Reunion With Top D-Man

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk
By Ryan Frost-Garant | Last updated Mar 2, 2026 12:50 PM ET

The Buffalo Sabres are looking to ensure that its 14-year-long streak of missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs ends this season. The Sabres currently sit second in the Atlantic Division; they hold a seven-point lead on the Washington Capitals, who are the closest team not currently in a playoff position. They could be buyers, and, interestingly, the Sabres are the most recent team linked to defenceman Rasmus Ristolainen.

The following was mentioned by insider Elliotte Friedman in the most recent edition of 32 Thoughts: The Podcast:

You know who I wonder about for Ristolainen… Buffalo is looking for some beef on the blueline… would they ever take him back?

Ristolainen was originally drafted 8th overall by the Sabres in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. He played eight seasons in Buffalo, with his last season being the 2020-21 NHL season. During Ristolainen’s run with the Sabres, he failed to make the playoffs or finish any of those eight seasons with a points percentage above .500.

Ristolainen carries a $5.1 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season. Injuries have limited him to just 22 games this year, where he’s recorded six points. Offense isn’t his calling card, though. He brings size, physicality, and a steady stay-at-home presence. With the Sabres struggling defensively and giving up too many goals, adding a player like Ristolainen could help stabilize their blue line and tighten things up in their own zone.

Many Other Teams Are Also In On Ristolainen

With all that being said, Ristolainen, as of late, has been linked to several other NHL teams . Everyone knows that NHL teams love their tall, strong, right-handed defenceman. Some other teams known to be interested include the Dallas Stars, Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Montreal Canadiens. In all likelihood, there are even more teams interested than these.

Ristolainen seems like he will be a hot commodity come the trade deadline. The Philadelphia Flyers will hope that the teams interested get in a bidding war over the Finnish Olympian, and they can reap the rewards of Ristolainen’s strong Olympic performance.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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