Calgary Flames looking to trade for D-man after Juuso Valimaki injury
The Score: Juuso Valimaki’s torn ACL is forcing the Calgary Flames to scour the trade market for reinforcements on the blue line.
The top four is seemingly set in stone, although both T.J. Brodie and Travis Hamonic are on the final year of their contracts.
Valimaki, the 16th overall pick in 2017, was expected to be a big part of the team’s defense this year after skating in 24 games during his rookie season.
If GM Brad Treliving cannot find a defenceman through a trade a handful of veteran options remaining in free agency could provide Calgary’s blue line with some depth on the left side, including Niklas Kronwall, Andrew MacDonald, and Dion Phaneuf.
Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen implies he’s asked to be traded
The Buffalo News: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen took another turn when he implied that he has asked to be traded during an interview with Finnish television outlet MTV Sports.
When he met with Buffalo reporters at the end of the season, Ristolainen seemed uncertain about whether he needs a change of scenery or wanted to remain with the Sabres.
He is under contract for three more seasons with an annual cap hit of $5.4 million.
Ristolainen reportedly drew interest in trade talks after the Winnipeg Jets dealt Jacob Trouba to the New York Rangers in June.
