Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Maple Leafs Have Looked at Hulking Flyers D-Man as Trade Option

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Jim Parsons | Last updated 12/7/23

According to Elliotte Friedman, the Toronto Maples are showing some interest in Rasmus Ristolainen of the Philadelphia Flyers. A bigger blueliner, Ristolainen has been stuck on a number of lousy teams, which may have affected his numbers. He also took a big step last season. At the same time, while his defense has improved under Brad Shaw he’s long been considered by many to be an analytic black hole and his stats are telling of his real value as a defender.

Some may see him as a decent fit. Others may look at his contract and see a huge mistake.

Friedman wrote in his latest 32 Thoughts column:

“I do think Toronto’s taken a look at Philadelphia’s Rasmus Ristolainen, who has three seasons remaining on a five-year, $25.5M contract. But, I don’t believe the Flyers are eager to give him away, and there’s no rush for them to do anything while their group is playing well.”

Friedman goes on to add that this isn’t to rule out the possibility Philly moves him in the future. For now, he argued that the Flyers are getting positive outcomes and generally meeting expectations. Why disrupt the harmony in the locker room by making a big trade?

Friedman wasn’t the only person to link Ristolainen’s name to the Leafs. Per Anthony Di Marco of The Fourth Period, Ristolainen is apparently valued throughout the league, especially for playoff play. It’s an odd statement considering the defenseman has never played in the post-season. Still, Di Marco adds, “…one team believed to have internal interest in Ristolainen is the Toronto Maple Leafs, though trade discussions between the two sides have not yet materialized.”

Unlikely Leafs Would Add Rasmus Ristolainen’s Long-Term Contract

GM Brad Treliving purposely kept his options open during the summer by signing players to one-year deals. The only player who got longer was Ryan Reaves in a deal Toronto likely now regrets. To assume they would quickly jump into a contract for three more seasons seems odd. That Treliving would want a $5.1 million defenseman who many believe isn’t remotely worth that is even stranger.

Remember, every dollar Treliving ties up for next season is one less dollar he has to pay William Nylander. The prospect of adding a defender who can’t defend is problematic. If it winds up costing the team Nylander, it’s a fireable offense.

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

More must-reads: