The Sabres’ offseason of change began on Friday with the team sending defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen to the Flyers for Robert Hagg, a 2021 first-round pick (No. 14 overall), and a 2023 second-rounder.
(The 2021 pick is technically No. 13 overall due to the Coyotes’ having to forfeit their first-round selection.)
This trade comes a day after the Flyers sent defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere and two 2022 draft picks to the Coyotes for “future considerations.” So if you’re tracking at home, GM Chuck Fletcher has traded a 2021 first-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick, a 2022 seventh-round pick, a 2023 second-round pick, Shayne Gostisbehere and Robert Hagg for Rasmus Ristolainen.
Ryan Ellis was acquired over the weekend in a three-team deal that sent Phil Myers to Nashville and Nolan Patrick to Vegas.
Rasmus Ristolainen, acquired by PHI, is a big defenceman who notoriously has put up absolutely horrible results at both ends of the ice consistently throughout his entire career. #AnytimeAnywhere pic.twitter.com/G4TmfNJftU
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 23, 2021
Risotlainen has one year left on his deal carrying $5.4M cap hit. He can be an unrestricted free agent next summer, per Cap Friendly.
Sabres GM Kevyn Adams wanted to get an extra first-round pick in Friday’s draft and accomplished that just hours before he announces the No. 1 overall selection. Buffalo now has six picks in the opening three rounds.
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Sean Leahy is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @Sean_Leahy.