A latest commerce proposal (courtesy of PuckPedia’s PuckGM software) might bolster the Toronto Maple Leafs blue line by buying Rasmus Ristolainen from the Philadelphia Flyers. In change, Toronto would ship Timothy Liljegren, a former first-round decide, to Philadelphia. Together with Ristolainen, the Maple Leafs would obtain a 2026 fourth-round decide. This deal is intriguing however raises the query: who wins and loses on this commerce?
It’s a polarizing commerce based mostly on Ristolainen’s price and generally scary underlying numbers on protection. Plus, the Leafs don’t simply need to give Liljegren away. Let’s break it down from each side—what would Toronto and Philadelphia achieve or lose?
The Maple Leafs’ Perspective
What They Get: Rasmus Ristolainen
Toronto would purchase Ristolainen, a former first-round decide with the scale and physicality the Maple Leafs may want on their third-pairing protection. He’s within the third yr of a five-year, $25.5 million deal, bringing playoff expertise and a defensive presence to the blue line. Nonetheless, Ristolainen struggled final season, solely managing a single purpose and three assists in 31 video games whereas coping with accidents. He might present extra stability to Toronto’s again finish; nevertheless, that’s on paper. His offensive manufacturing and sturdiness are issues.
The Upside for the Maple Leafs
- Ristolainen provides physicality and depth to the protection.
- He might thrive in a extra restricted, third-pairing position in Toronto.
- The Maple Leafs additionally obtain a 2026 fourth-round decide, which might show helpful sooner or later.
The Dangers for the Maple Leafs
- Ristolainen’s contract is hefty ($5.1 million per yr), particularly given his latest accidents and lack of offensive manufacturing. It additionally performs havoc with their wage cap, which takes masterful massaging in the most effective of instances.
- Buying and selling away Liljegren, who nonetheless has potential, might return to hang-out the Maple Leafs. Liljegren has proven flashes of strong play and is perhaps simply coming into his prime. It’s laborious to surrender on him.
- Maybe Liljegren is best than most individuals consider. His superior analytics are sturdy, though he might sound uninvolved by the attention check or as if he can’t put up many factors.
The Flyers’ Perspective
What They Get: Timothy Liljegren and a 2026 4th Spherical Decide
Philadelphia would purchase Liljegren, a 2017 first-round decide who has but to safe a daily spot in Toronto’s lineup. Liljegren might be an ideal match for a Flyers group seeking to rebuild its blue line with youthful expertise. He’s nonetheless solely 25 and has proven potential to develop right into a top-four defenseman with the suitable improvement. In his 196 NHL video games, Liljegren has registered 14 objectives and 51 assists, exhibiting some offensive upside.
The Upside for the Flyers
- Liljegren is youthful, with a decrease cap hit, and has room to develop right into a prime defenseman.
- He might slot into Ristolainen’s position, providing extra mobility and puck-moving expertise.
- This commerce aligns with the Flyers’ rebuilding course of by including one other younger, controllable asset.
The Dangers for the Flyers
- Ristolainen is extra established, and shedding his bodily presence may harm their protection within the quick time period.
- Though Liljegren has potential, his inconsistency in Toronto raises questions on whether or not he can solidify a prime position in Philadelphia.
Who Wins the Commerce?
From the Maple Leafs’ perspective, buying Ristolainen provides a veteran defenseman with dimension and expertise to a blue line that wants stability. Nonetheless, they danger giving up a youthful, extra cell defender in Liljegren, who may nonetheless have untapped potential. The Maple Leafs have to weigh whether or not Ristolainen’s expertise is value Liljegren’s upside.
For the Flyers, this deal might be a win. They transfer on from Ristolainen’s contract whereas gaining a youthful, extra versatile defenseman in Liljegren. Philadelphia is rebuilding, so including youthful expertise matches completely with their long-term technique.
Finally, the Flyers profit extra from this commerce proposal, securing a youthful asset that might become a bit of their rebuild. For the Leafs, whereas Ristolainen might assist in the quick time period, shedding Liljegren may cost a little them in the long term. Ought to Toronto actually half methods with Liljegren, or would this commerce be too dangerous?
However that is one perspective. As readers, do you may have a unique one?
Subsequent: Berube Making Key Decisions with Maple Leafs’ Particular Groups