Trade: Rasmus Ristolainen Is Finally Done With The Buffalo Sabres

After years of being in the rumor mill, Rasmus Ristolainen is finally done in Buffalo.

**Breaking News** @NHLFlyers from what I’m told Robert Hagg & 2 Draft Picks for Rasmus Ristolainen from @BuffaloSabres . @NHL @espn #TSNHockey #HockeyTwitter
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) July 23, 2021

According to Kevin Weekes, the Sabres are sending him to the Philadelphia Flyers for Robert Hagg, a 2022 first-round pick and a 2023 second-round pick.

Further to Ristolainen trade it appears 1st Rd pick for tonight and 2nd Rd in 2023. @espn @NHL #TSNHockey #HockeyTwitter
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) July 23, 2021

Adding a right-handed, top-four defenseman was a huge necessity for the Flyers this off-season. After trading Shayne Gostisbehere yesterday to the Arizona Coyotes, they easily were able to take Ristolainen's contract on and have room to do more. He has one year left and it carries a $5.4 million cap hit.

Although Ristolainen has gotten criticism for his defensive play in the past, he contributes well offensively. In 49 games this season, the 26-year-old defenseman had four goals and 18 points. Yet, this was a down year for him, as he's hit the 40-point plateau on four separate occasions. The Flyers also will appreciate his high degree of tenacity, as it's a big part of his game.

Hagg is a serviceable defensive defenseman. This season was rough for the fellow 26-year-old, as he had only had five points in 34 games. However, he is just two years removed from a 20-point season, so perhaps he will be able to contribute more offensively. However, he's not the main piece coming to the Sabres.

The big win for the Sabres comes from the fact that they also are getting two high draft picks in the deal. The first-round pick alone was a fantastic addition, but the fact that they added a second-rounder for next year too is awesome as well. Honestly, one could argue that the Flyers gave up way too much in this trade, but alas, they needed their top-four defenseman. Yet, they could very well lose him next off-season to free agency, too.