Wasn’t that the same argument that was being used against Rielly when the Leafs were in the basement two years ago and the Sabres rebuild was ahead of theirs? Can’t have it both ways
Yes it was the same argument that Leafs fans were making 2 years ago and guess what? They were right. A young defenseman playing too large a role on a team that is largely devoid of talent will struggle.
Side note- Are we still upset that Sabres fans were declaring themselves ahead of the Leafs in a rebuild 2 years ago?
The Leafs quickly emerged from their rebuild and have become one of the best offensive teams in the league. It really shouldn't surprise anyone that their best defenseman's offensive #'s have improved proportionately as the team around him has improved. The Sabres have been a tire fire, and it's been pretty difficult to make reasonable deductions about some of these young players due to that fact. Ristolainen is the poster boy for poor player development. A young defenseman being put into far too large of a role, too early in his career, because the organization has largely ignored the blueline for years.