Toronto Maple Leafs Identified as Fit for Big Right-Hand Defenseman
The Toronto Maple Leafs need some help on their blueline to make things stronger, and have recently been linked to defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen in trade talks.
With how the Maple Leafs have been this season, it's a bit strange to see them pursuing a blueliner, however they can definitely improve especially on the right side, and according to The Daily Faceoff; Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen can definitely fill that role.
Rasmus Ristolainen Helps Solidify Maple Leafs Top 4
The blueline for the blue and white has been fantastic this season and a complete turnaround from previous years. However, with their current crop of aging veterans and unproven but skilled defenders, Ristolainen would add much needed stability.
The Maple Leafs should look to add Ristolainen to give Morgan Rielly a competent shutdown defenseman so he can start to flourish offensively and start to take the pressure off his shoulders.
Ristolainen has been very solid so far for the mediocre Flyers, registering two goals and 11 assists in 48 games, while also adding 74 blocks, 78 hits, and only 6 PIM which means Toronto doesn't need to worry about needless penalties which is a sore spot this season.
He would also love to make the playoffs as he's never touched the postseason in his 761-game NHL career.
His contract might be an issue as he makes $5.1M for the next two seasons and Toronto already has a lot of money committed to the blueline, but if they can convince Daniel Briere to take some money then it'll be well worth it.
Though Brad Treliving needs to get a third line center, he would just as well benefit from a solid Top 4. If his team can consistently shut opponents down, then scoring shouldn't be too much of a concern.
