Bob Stauffer of Oilers Now and Each day Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli obtained right into a dialog on Wednesday in regards to the Edmonton Oilers and their want so as to add one other right-shot defenseman for this coming season. Each admitted that Ty Emberson goes to make a splash this season and probably outperform expectations, however Stauffer puzzled if a man like Rasmus Ristolainen out of Philadelphia can be a superb choice.
Stauffer requested Seravalli if the Flyers had been open to creating strikes and probably retaining wage on a participant like Ristolainen. With a $5.1 million cap hit for the following three seasons, the Oilers would wish to Flyers to retain cash on the commerce, possible within the neighborhood of 40-50%. That’s loads to ask, however Seravalli didn’t suppose it might matter.
He responded:
“I believe they’re [the Flyers} open to a lot of different things. I think, to be quite candid with you and especially with Ristolainen coming off the injury, he missed 51 games last year, I think the Oilers can do way better.”
Seravalli added that despite his size, Ristolainen has struggled a lot in Philadelphia. He said that the fact his third contract went down in AAV is a good sign that he’s trending in the wrong direction. He can understand why Ristolainen is a part of the conversation when it comes to the Oilers, but he doesn’t think it’s a good way to go.
Would a Ristolainen Trade Even Make Sense for the Oilers?
Stauffer hinted earlier in the week that the Oilers wanted a right-shot defenseman with a little term left on his deal. At the same time, they aren’t looking to take on players who are worse than the guys they already have. If the Flyers are willing to offload Ristolainen for pennies on the dollar, what does that say about his game?
So too, if Edmonton has a player like Ty Emberson waiting and ready to prove himself, why not give him a shot at seeing if he can become the second-pair, right-shot blueliner the Oilers are out there looking for?
Edmonton would be better off adding another defenseman on a PTO or a two-way, league-minimum contract.
Next: Zack Kassian Unofficially Returns to Oilers in Specific Role
