A trade proposal emerges sending Rasmus Ristolainen to a Canadian team

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Daniel Lucente
September 16, 2024 (3:11 PM)

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A trade proposition making its rounds online sees a former first-round pick being traded from the Philadelphia Flyers to the Edmonton Oilers.

A pretty interesting idea about a trade came about, but it may not happen because of the risks. This rumor comes courtesy of longtime Edmonton Oilers insider Bob Stauffer, who not long ago hinted the Oilers could be in the market for a defenseman. With Evander Kane set to go under the knife and likely to begin the season on long-term injured reserve (LTIR), there's a need to fill that gap.

Stauffer said Edmonton would be looking to acquire a right-shot defenseman with some time left on their contract beyond this season.

Jonathan Bailey of Philly Hockey Now thinks the Flyers might be a trade partner here and tossed out the name of Rasmus Ristolainen as someone who could fit on the Oilers' blue line.

The one name that fits Stauffer's criteria is Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, who has three years remaining on his contract at a $5.1 million cap hit.

- Jonathan Bailey

It could work out that way, financially speaking. Evander Kane's cap hit of $5.125 million per season is just about identical to Ristolainen's $5.1 million per season. That would not only work for the Oilers but would also be a touch of salary cap relief for the Flyers, who are over the NHL's salary cap currently.

Ristolainen still has two more seasons on his contract past this season, too, which fits what Stauffer said the Oilers are looking for.

It's just that the problem is Ristolainen himself. He has struggled to cement himself as a top-pairing defenseman since the Sabres selected him 8th overall in 2013. He's also coming off a serious injury that limited him to just 31 games last season, during which he mustered only 4 points and finished with an ugly -6 rating on a mediocre Flyers team.

It would be quite the gamble for a win-now mode team such as the Edmonton Oilers. It really comes down to exactly what Rasmus Ristolainen is valued at by the Oilers' scouting team. It may not be worth the risk, but only Edmonton knows what they'll decide in the end.

What do you think? Could Rasmus Ristolainen be a fit in Edmonton? Vote in our poll below and have your say!

Source: Hockey Feed
Proposed trade between Oilers and Flyers includes former 1st round pick.

Source: ESPN
Rasmus Ristolainen Stats