Oilers insiders hints towards major trade with Eastern Conference team
In the latest episode of Oilers Now, Oilers insider Bob Stauffer and Daily Faceoff insider Frank Seravalli Hinted of a major trade developing with the Philadelphia Flyers to receive defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
Ristolainen has been the subject of trade rumors for the Flyers for the past couple of seasons and holds some significant cap space. The Oilers have not hidden their desire to acquire a right-handed shot defenseman for their second pairing after Cody Ceci and Philip Broberg were both lost through trade and an offer sheet.
Ristolainen was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 2013, first round 8th pick overall. Standing at six foot 4 and 208 pounds, the 29-year-old defender with certainly augment the Oilers defence as they hold some long-term injury reserve money that could come their way when Evander Kane has his surgery in the next couple of days.
The insiders also feel that the Oilers will not be able to land Rasmus Andersson of Calgary Flames. Even though the flames are not in playoff contention, it's highly unlikely that general manager Craig Conroy would strike a deal with Stan Bowman to send one of his best defenders to his archrival to the north in Alberta.
Andersson had a good year considering how poor the Flames played as he played 78 games, scoring nine goals with 30 assists for 39 points and had 47 penalty minutes. He also holds 23 minutes and 50 seconds of average ice time which would put him in the top four defenders.
No matter the case, the Oilers are actively looking for another defenseman and they will try to acquire them as fast as possible even if it means prior to the season beginning.
Source: NHL.com
| POLL | ||
Should the Oilers make a deal with the Philadelphia Flyers for Rasmus Ristolainen? | ||
| Yes | 60 | 64.5 % |
| No | 33 | 35.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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