NHL trade rumors: Rasmus Ristolainen has asked to be traded
According to the latest NHL trade rumors, Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has reportedly asked for a trade from the team.
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen is no stranger to trade rumors. His name has been thrown around in a lot of trade rumors since the end of the 2017-18 season. According to the latest NHL trade rumors, Ristolainen has asked for a trade.
At least that’s what he implied in a recent interview. During an interview with MTV Sports, Ristolainen had this to say – “I cannot say anything other than the fact that on the 12th of September, I will be at one of the NHL team’s training camps”.
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The trade talks have been picking up this summer. Perhaps this is why. Ristolainen didn’t outright say he had requested a trade, but it sure sounds like he did. The Sabres are disappointed in him, as he hasn’t taken the steps necessary to be a top defenseman in the NHL.
A trade makes sense for both sides for a number of reasons.
First of all, the Sabres blue line is a bit crowded. Trades for Colin Miller and Henri Jokiharju have given Buffalo a number of options on the right side. The trade for Brandon Montour gives them no fewer than two top-four options, even without Ristolainen.
Secondly, Ristolainen would likely benefit from a change of scenery. Though he hasn’t developed into a top-pairing caliber defenseman yet, he’s still a top-four defenseman with a bit of upside. Ristolainen has been playing top-pairing minutes for the Sabres, so he has that going for him.
He has three years remaining on his current deal. Ristolainen has a $5.4 million cap hit in each of those seasons. The Sabres aren’t in a rush to trade him, so until they find a team willing to pay the price they’re looking for, expect Ristolainen to stick around in Buffalo.
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Given the market for defensemen, the Sabres could get a very nice return for him. However, the salary cap ceiling is lower than anticipated, which could negatively impact his market.