Speculation: Do we go after Ristolainen?

[SniperOnTheWing]

The Sabres are about to open the phone lines on anybody not named Eichel (according to Friedman).

One would think Lou has to be intrigued by the possibility of Risto being available. He's a young, right hand shot, minute devouring defenseman.

Question is, what is the price and are we willing to pay it?

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[weems]

He's supremely overrated.

 

[Damisoph]

He's been awful in Buffalo but has some talent...it's an intriguing option if the price is low.

 

[Jozay]

I imagine the price is quite high. Especially since we're in the same division.

 

[Duke16]

There isn't much point unless you include Zaitsev. No way should we be paying Zaitsev 4.5M to play 3rd pair

 

[trellaine201]

love Reijo Ruotsalainen

 

[lifelonghockeyfan]

He might turn into a very good player, but he's streaky, something like Gardiner. Right now he would just replace the Polak/Carrick at RHD, yea a definite improvement, but I doubt it would worth the asking price for the Sabres.

 

[WTFMAN99]

It would be dependent upon the organization's opinion of him which I can't speak for. Do Lou, Babcock, and the pro scout look at tape and conclude they can help him? He's age appropriate, has good size, right handed shot, and has a cannon but defensive side needs some work.

 

[SniperOnTheWing]

He's been awful in Buffalo but has some talent...it's an intriguing option if the price is low.

Everyone has been awful in Buffalo, but he did manage 45pts with them last year and can easily play 28 minutes a night.

As for price, you'd have to think the minimum ask would be:

- 1st
- Roster player
- Prospect

Zaitsev/Gardiner plus... Kapanen?

 

[TimeZone]

Can he play actual Defense yet?

 

[rent free]

lillegren and a 1st will get the convo starting

 

[Trapper]

He might turn into a very good player, but he's streaky, something like Gardiner. Right now he would just replace the Polak/Carrick at RHD, yea a definite improvement, but I doubt it would worth the asking price for the Sabres.

We should be involved in the discussion. 6'4 RHD who can skate/move the puck and play physical. Buffalo is a tire fire so I can't judge him accordingly. I think structure and Babs can work wonders.
Now what's the price? That's a good question. But we should be interested for sure.

 

[The List Of Jericho]

lillegren and a 1st will get the convo starting

Ya....the dial tone gets hit on the Leaf side of things. Timothy has been solid in the AHL, they would regret that for years if his path continues.

 

[Menzinger]

Nah, he’s a good example of a player’s reputation being much greater than his on ice impact.

He’s lousy in his own end and requires incredibly sheltered usage to be effective.

And the Sabres asking price would be very high

 

[Brobust]

2nd pair PK, PP specialist is what he is and will remain as in the future. Not something that we need to add or overpay for.

 

[cookie]

You would expect his level of play to increase on a better Toronto team but the usage stats say that the guy had been sheltered quite a bit. The truth is probably in the middle. What does he do that a guy like Zaitsev doesn't do, and is it worth acquiring him when we have Hainsey, Zaitsev, Carrick, and Liljegren vying for an RHD slot. There's also Ozhiganov to consider as well as the cap.

 

[garce]

Nope Sabres would have to get a Kings ransom for him and Risto is far from a lock to be the top 4 the Leafs need. If Toronto is going to give up a major package it would have to be a bona fide established,yet young,2/3 and those are rarely available. Trouba maybe. Besides while I wouldn’t be adverse to a trade for a upgrade on Polak the way things are developing a major trade isn’t really necessary.

 

[rent free]

Ya....the dial tone gets hit on the Leaf side of things. Timothy has been solid in the AHL, they would regret that for years if his path continues.

they would for sure, but to get you've gotta give. sure risto is overrated, but buffalo is the one trading him away and they see him as a #1 dman so they have the upper hand

 

[WTFMAN99]

You would expect his level of play to increase on a better Toronto team but the usage stats say that the guy had been sheltered quite a bit. The truth is probably in the middle. What does he do that a guy like Zaitsev doesn't do, and is it worth acquiring him when we have Hainsey, Zaitsev, Carrick, and Liljegren vying for an RHD slot. There's also Ozhiganov to consider as well as the cap.

Housley was an awesome assistant coach but not sure he's a head coach in the NHL (yet). Blysma isn't that great either, and I forget the guy before that (he was their AHL coach I believe) but honestly he has not had any great coaching at the NHL level.

Cost could be troublesome if he doesn't work out.

 

[diceman934]

The Sabres are about to open the phone lines on anybody not named Eichel (according to Friedman).

One would think Lou has to be intrigued by the possibility of Risto being available. He's a young, right hand shot, minute devouring defenseman.

Question is, what is the price and are we willing to pay it?

Way to high for what he brings to the table and not a player we should cover.

 

[diceman934]

lillegren and a 1st will get the convo starting

No way would I trade a better player for him...he plays highly sheltered minutes and not very effective at that.

He is not a D man we should go after as he is not better than any of our top 4 right now.

 

[rent free]

that

No way would I trade a better player for him...he plays highly sheltered minutes and not very effective at that.

He is not a D man we should go after as he is not better than any of our top 4 right now.

s what buffalo would want. they view risto as the opposite of what u just said. that may, may not be true.

 

[ULF_55]

Sabres fans overrate their players, just like Leafs fans overrate their players.

Who cares!

Odds are Sabres would not trade him to the Leafs because what exactly would the Leafs offer that would make the Sabres better?

Ristolainen just turned 23, scored 41 and 45 points last 2 seasons, so why would a rebuilding team trade him to another rebuilding team in their own division?

Many kept saying, give Carrick with his 21 career points time to get better LOL but Ristolainen is overrated.

Gaia give us strength.

 

[Mess]

The Sabres are about to open the phone lines on anybody not named Eichel (according to Friedman).

One would think Lou has to be intrigued by the possibility of Risto being available. He's a young, right hand shot, minute devouring defenseman.

Question is, what is the price and are we willing to pay it?

The Sabres unite the Nylander boys is what it would take at minimum .

 

[WTFMAN99]

The Sabres unite the Nylander boys is what it would take at minimum .

Wouldn't consider that for a second. Risto is not a guy I deal Nylander for.