The improved trade value of Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen and the latest on the Predators and Canadiens in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
RISTOLAINEN COULD BE A VALUABLE TRADE CHIP FOR THE FLYERS
DAILY FACEOFF: Anthony Di Marco believes much-maligned defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has morphed into a valuable trade chip for the Philadelphia Flyers.
Ristolainen has filled in for the sidelined Cam York as Travis Sanheim’s defense partner. He’s looked good thus far, averaging over 19 minutes per game.
It’s still a long way from the March 7 trade deadline and a lot can happen before then. Nevertheless, Ristolainen’s improved play this season could make him a name of interest in the trade market.
Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen (NHL Images).
Di Marco asked around about this on Monday. He claims the Flyers asking price will be a first-round pick or value-equivalent. He noted comparable defensemen like Ben Chiarot and David Savard fetched similar returns.
Ristolainen carries an average annual value of $5.1 million through 2026-27. However, the rising salary cap might make his contract more palatable.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Like most of you, I rolled my eyes when I read that bit about the Flyers’ asking price of a first-rounder for Ristolainen. Nevertheless, Di Marco makes a good point about the previous value of Chiarot and Savard.
Ristolainen’s play could suffer throughout this season with the rebuilding Flyers adversely affecting his trade value. Interested clubs could still insist on salary retention before agreeing to acquire him. Still, how his situation plays out between now and deadline day will be worth watching.
LATEST ON THE PREDATORS
TSN: Darren Dreger weighed in on the recent remarks by Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz claiming that he’ll have to start his rebuilding plan if his struggling team doesn’t improve soon.
Dreger claims Trotz’s remarks were taken out of context, and that he intends to do a roster renovation instead of a traditional teardown. He noted the offseason additions of Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei were meant to allow their young players to develop and grow.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz said the same thing when he clarified his remarks earlier this week. However, some folks heard his original comments to a Nashville radio station about starting the rebuild process and assumed he was about to blow up his roster. That is not his intention.
Dreger believes Trotz wants to further insulate his roster and could do that depending on how things go over the next 10 games. He’s got multiple first-round draft picks, two second-rounders and a bevy of prospects to draw on for trade bait.
Chris Johnston noted that Trotz remains on the lookout to add another centerman to the Predators’ roster.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Trotz said two weeks ago that he’d like to add a second-line center but acknowledged the difficulty in finding one at this point in the season.
RG.ORG: Jim Biringer cited a source saying Trotz’s talk of his rebuild process was designed to get his players’ attention as a wake-up call to improve their performances.
Biringer’s source claimed Dante Fabbro has popped up frequently of late in the rumor mill. The 26-year-old defenseman is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July and carries a $2.5 million cap hit. He could blossom with a change of scenery.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: This isn’t the first time Fabbro has surfaced in the rumor mill over the last couple of seasons. Given his UFA status next July, he’ll likely hit the trade block if the Predators are out of contention by the March 7 trade deadline.
UPDATE ON THE CANADIENS
TSN: Darren Dreger reports Montreal Canadiens GM Kent Hughes is still making calls around the league seeking help for his struggling club. However, he has no appetite to mortgage the future for a quick fix.
The Canadiens knew they wouldn’t be a playoff club this season but hoped to be more competitive and be somewhat in the mix. However, this is a process as they remain fixed on their future. The expectation now is for their best players to be better.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Barring a surprising trade, the only real help coming through the door is Patrik Laine in December once he’s recovered from a knee injury.