Flyers Trade Rumors: The Price Tag For Ristolainen Goes Up Even More
Philly GM Danny Briere was said to be asking for a first-round pick and another asset for the 6'4" defender who is having a renaissance season. But Di Marco reports that the Flyers could now be willing to retain up to 50% on the D-man's $5.1 million cap hit (that still has two more years to run as well).
If that happens, the price just goes up even more.
Hypothetically speaking, if the Flyers were to eat half the salary, $2.55 million for the next two seasons for Ristolainen would be one heck of a bargain for a 6’4, top four, right shot defenseman who plays a brand of hockey teams salivate for during the playoffs. But retention will come at a cost.
Di Marco goes on to note that three unnamed teams are known to be in on the hulking defender, but we can go out on a limb and name the Toronto Maple Leafs as one of them. GM Brad Treliving tried to trade for Ristolainen last year, and also when he was GM with the Calgary Flames.
Di Marco also names the Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning as potential suitors, as they are both known to be seeking a defenseman.
The 30-year-old has four goals and 19 points in 48 games this season, with a plus/minus rating of +5. He's been a 200-hit man four times in his career, though he has just 90 thus far through 58 games. He's also blocked 88 shots.
