Risto Generates GM Calls: Can Danny FINALLY Close? And What Could He Bring?

It didn’t take a great deal of effort or expert knowledge to ascertain that Rasmus Ristolainen was a piece that could be feasibly traded. This is, of course, assuming that anyone can be traded by the Philadelphia Flyers. If that clause is true, then it was basic logic to deduce that Risto would be one of the first people shipped out. 

There was some more information offered today by Pierre LeBrun, one of the NHL’s insiders. While Risto’s inclusion on the proverbial trade block was not new, the asking price is absolutely new information. On Risto, LeBrun wrote–in part–the following: 

“… league sources say that the Flyers have indeed received calls asking if they would be willing to move Ristolainen. The answer from the Flyers is yes–if there’s a certain price met. They would want a good prospect or young player in return, or a package of a prospect/young player and a pick.” 

For those of you who want to read his writings in full, here’s the relevant article. But beware the paywall!

NHL trade matchmaker, Part 2. Where do we see Granlund, B. Tanev, Ristolainen, T. Hall and Borgen end up?
From me and ⁦@reporterchris⁩ for the ⁦@TheAthletic⁩ ⤵️⤵️
https://t.co/ETJsrKlBIn

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) December 27, 2024

On the surface, this price seems eminently reasonable and I would expect it to be met. I imagine that the sticking point, however, is that it depends on what the definition of “good” is. Are good prospects and young players the kind of talent that teams are obviously unwilling to give up for a defenseman who turned 30 in October? Is Adam Fantilli the definition of “good”? Or is Cole Perfetti the definition of “good”? 

The definition of good, as it pertains to the Flyers, is important here because it determines the actual viability of a Risto deal. If “good” is Leo Carlsson, as an example, then is Marco Rossi and a first round pick the expectations on a “prospect and a pick” package? 

Danny Briere has a history of setting prices that couldn’t possibly be met by reasonable people because he believes that the player’s contributions to… “the culture”… are simply too important. If that’s what he’s doing here, he is making a tremendous mistake. 

If the definition of “good” is, in fact, Cole Perfetti… as an example… then the Flyers are pursuing a reasonable deal that could actually get done. 

Risto has built himself into a defenseman with unquestionable value. At one time, he was the poster child for the “Feelings vs. Analytics” debate. Evaluators loved his potential and measurables while analytics hated the results he provided on the ice. Since then, those two views have been married up completely. 

What the hell? pic.twitter.com/VdCPC1rS1C

— Connor Hill (@Habsfan2004) December 21, 2024

RAPM models have varied on his true impact, but suffice it to say that the consensus is we are dealing with a legitimately strong top-4 shutdown defenseman. For teams who need additional stopping power in the playoffs, and players who you actually could trust to limit the contributions of offensive engines like Nathan MacKinnon over a 7 game series, Ristolainen should be a tempting proposition. 

If you haven’t noticed, my examples have largely–but not exclusively–been chosen with a purpose. Cole Perfetti was a reasonable definition of good, because he’s certainly a valuable piece to the Jets, but he isn’t a franchise definer for them or anything. 

Nathan MacKinnon was an offensive engine whose contributions need limiting, because if the Jets have any hope of advancing in the playoffs with their current roster… dominated by a core of players who are around Risto’s age… they need to get past Colorado, most likely. Or Vegas and Jack Eichel. 

Pierre LeBrun, as part of his matchmaker article, listed the Winnipeg Jets as the ideal destination for Rasmus Ristolainen. 

To me, there seems to be a reasonable path to acquiring a 2020 Drafted player who was known for his elite hockey sense. A brilliant puck mover with poise and talent the rival of few like him. Someone who naturally plays the center position, and is likely to have a natural chemistry with budding franchise cornerstone, Matvei Michkov. 

Perfetti’s lack of wheels and muscle has soured him in the minds of certain evaluators, and I respect them as potential limiting factors. But I see that as acceptable overhead. The Flyers aren’t going to be able to trade Risto for the reincarnation of Eric Lindros. 

Perfetti’s brain is pretty special. On a short list of players who can overcome lack of natural physicality, I think he qualifies. I think that’s doubly true if he shares a player who sees all of the same plays that he sees. 

If Danny can close… I know, a massive “if”… then maybe the Flyers can pivot Ristolainen into a shot at Michkov’s center of the future. 

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