Right-handed defensemen in Buffalo
Jim Matheson: After acquiring right-handed defenseman Colin Miller, talk increased that the Buffalo Sabres might trade RHD Rasmus Ristolainen.
Miller and RHD Brandon Montour are not top pairing defenseman. RHD Zach Bogosian will miss the start of the season after having hip surgery.
Ristolainen is still a top pairing defenseman.
Darren Dreger: The Rasmus Ristolainen speculation has increased since Miller trade, but the Sabres still view him as a key piece.
Unless another team offers up something big, it’s unlikely that he gets traded.
Lance Lysowski of the Buffalo News: The Buffalo Sabres now have a collection of right-handed after acquiring Colin Miller Friday from the Golden Knights – Miller, Rasmus Ristolainen, Zach Bogosian, Brandon Montour and Casey Nelson.
Bogosian’s hip surgery would make it difficult for GM Jason Botterill to move him.
Ristolainen has been in the rumor mill dating back to February and has reportedly received interest from teams.
Botterill could look to trade a defenseman for cap space and draft picks, or he could try for a top-six forward – preferably a center.
Canadiens and Wild have shown some interest in Gardiner
Maple Leafs Hot Stove: Elliotte Friedman on Sportsnet 590 on Jake Gardiner‘s free agent situation. Several defensemen are already off the market, so Gardiner’s camp could sit back and see if anyone starts to panic a bit.
“We’ve heard Montreal’s name with him. We’ve heard Minnesota’s name with him. I have a feeling there is something we are missing on him in terms of who is interested. I know the dream is that Toronto can work it out. I am not expecting it, but I am sure it is kind of like that hope that it can happen. But I get the sense there is something we’re missing on Gardiner because it’s been too quiet and I refuse to believe it is that quiet.”
