That forward group is strong, but that defense though has the potential to be quite bad

The lightning shed almost 0 salary (328k). What is their incentive?

Honestly, I think they would hold their own back there. As a focus, we need to put more pucks in the net. If it gets bad, we can move Borgen up.

Incentive would be to add a RHD. They are in need of a young RHD that fits the system, and will have to make changes especially if they get bounced round one. A pesky, RHD like Risto could go a long way on that team, especially if Jon Cooper utilizes him properly. (18-20mins/night against L2)

Yes but they really need to shed cap so they can keep Point and fill out their roster. They lose a top 6 forward and a promising 3c here, what else do they have to give up to dump more salary on top of this.

IMO trading Risto would be a trade that Buffalo loses. Apparently teams wouldn't give up anything all that great in return and we would lose our 2nd best Dman and one of the only physical players we have. Say what you want about Risto, but I think he should stay.

This would be one move of many for them. The key piece to move out would be Callahan which i'm sure they could find another suitor for them where he would willingly waive his NMC. Maybe even back to NYR for a good piece with him.

Calling him our second best defensemen is very debatable. I like Risto as much as the next guy, but he's been a liability in his own end since he's gotten here. He plays with aggression, but is often in the wrong position or making questionable decisions. I think trading him would be very beneficial.

Or says a lot about the rest of the dmen. Dahlin is clearly the best dman. The rest are 4 thru 8. Don't really have a 2nd or 3rd best dman.

No chance TB trades Cirelli, Johnson and a 3rd for Ristolainen.

No way Nyquist signs that low, He wants either 6 x 5.5 or 6 x 6 Detroit already offered him that contract. And he said no. He'd still be with Detroit if he accepted that offer.

Cirelli is at 3C over Mittelstadt, he’s a lot better