Photo credit: The Leafs Nation
The Toronto Maple Leafs have apparently set their sights on a new defenseman on the trade market, but it seems as though they may have to outbid the Vancouver Canucks to bring him in.
Toronto Maple Leafs And Vancouver Canucks Both In On Ristolainen
The Philadelphia Flyers have been one of the most surprising teams in the league this year as they seem to be destined for a playoff spot after their miserable season last year. However, the team has indicated that they are still open to trades and now one of their defenseman is reportedly garnering interest from around the league.
As mentioned by @FriedgeHNIC in 32T, Ristolainen's play has drawn attention - but the contract does make things complicated.
Speaking with another team, Risto is valued at a ~$3.5M AAV. PHI is willing to retain but it will come at a cost.
#LetsGoFlyers
Speaking with another team, Risto is valued at a ~$3.5M AAV. PHI is willing to retain but it will come at a cost.
#LetsGoFlyers
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According to Flyers insider Anthony Di Marco, the Vancouver Canucks and the Toronto Maple Leafs are the two teams that have inquired about the defenseman the most.
The #LeafsForever and #canucks are the two main teams I've heard tied to Ristolainen.
#LetsGoFlyers
#LetsGoFlyers
Ristolainen Revitalizes Career Under Tortorella
The 29-year-old defenseman was considered to be one of the worst players in the league just a couple of seasons ago. However, he has seen dramatic improvement in his play this season under John Tortorella, especially on the defensive side of the game. While his contract is still an issue, he has certainly developed into a much more useful player than he used to be.
According to @ADiMarco25, both Toronto & Vancouver have an interest in Rasmus Ristolainen. Philadelphia is willing to retain but it will come at a cost. Ristolainen has became good defensive defenseman under Brad Shaw. But you need to play him in a bit sheltered minutes.
The defenseman has seemingly completely transformed his game, turning himself into a steady shutdown defenseman in a 3rd pair role. Similarly, he has just 1 goal and 4 points in 30 games on the season. With the Canucks and Leafs both interested in him, it will be interesting to see who wins the bidding war as the Leafs have already lost to the Canucks once this year on that front.
| POLL | ||
9 FEVRIER | 682 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Reportedly Active In Bidding War For Defenseman With Vancouver Canucks Do you think Ristolainen would improve the Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 304 | 44.6 % |
| No | 334 | 49 % |
| He would make them worse | 44 | 6.5 % |
| LIST OF POLLS | ||
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