Toronto Maple Leafs Officially Linked To Big Defenseman From Conference Rival
A new report has suggested a new trade target for the Toronto Maple Leafs to pursue that could fix their defense.
Maple Leafs Linked To Big Defenseman From Conference Rival
The Toronto Maple Leafs are certainly going to make major upgrades to their team ahead of this year's trade deadline. A new report from a source at Philly Hockey Now has connected the Maple Leafs to physical defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
After being shipped off to Philadelphia by the Buffalo Sabres Ristolainen has had a bit of a career resurgence. Head coach John Tortorella has helped Ristolainen greatly improve during their time together. However, with the addition of defenseman Jamie Drysdale, the Flyers might be willing to part with Ristolainen.
Is Ristolainen A Good Fit In Toronto?
With Ristolainen now connected to the Maple Leafs let's look at if he is a good option to consider. His case is a tricky one that depends on how much risk the Maple Leafs are willing to take on.
Ristolainen is 29 years old and in the second year of a five-year contract. While Ristolainen has improved under Tortorella defensively his numbers are still underwhelming. He has also dropped off offensively ever since leaving Buffalo.
Ristolainen will bring a big-bodied defenseman who is right-handed and willing to play physically. That comes at the price of questionable decision-making on most nights and a contract that extends well into his 30s. This will have to be a give-and-take that Brad Treliving and the Maple Leafs consider before pulling the trigger.
| POLL | ||
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs trade for Rasmus Ristolainen? | ||
| Yes | 597 | 58.7 % |
| No | 420 | 41.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
