Trade Rumor: New Jersey and Buffalo Discussing Trade

The New Jersey Devils and Buffalo Sabres are two teams heading in opposite directions as the Devils are looking to move on from their rebuilding years while the Sabres are about to begin another one. According to Buffalo News' Lance Lysowski, the two teams have been in contact regarding a trade involving Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.

The 26-year-old has one season left on his contract, paying him $5.4 million. Last season he recorded 18 points in 49 games in what he would consider a down year. Ristolainen has been linked with Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart as three players the Sabres are shopping this offseason.

As for the Devils they will be looking to add some more talent this offseason to their young core. With the team holding two first-round draft picks and an interest to move on from PK Subban and his $9 million salary for next season, they are certainly setting themselves up to be a team to look out for a major move. Acquiring Ristolainen would be a nice kick-start to their offseason, which could snowball into another bigger move.

With the Devils projected $36.8 million in cap space for next season, makes you wonder if Ristolainen talks with Buffalo turn into something much much bigger....