Let's use a little science, go to
https://public.tableau.com/profile/christopher.turtoro#!/vizhome/2-yearA3ZPlayerComps/ComparisonDashboard and compare Russell and Scandella (the player Russell would need to replace).
Just to muddy the water also go to
https://evolving-hockey.com/
one and one, the first seems to favor Scandella the second Russell.
So the Sabres trade RHD for LHD a first and a prospect.
While Russell may not be an ideal roster player, the first and Puljujarvi are pretty good pieces.
Quoting: SJ_Sharkie
Edmonton never does this. Ristolainen is very terrible. Russell is probably a better Dman than Risto. Edmonton wont trade any picks unless its a 4th or below.
Remember Ristolainen is young, was misused, over used and never had true on ice leadership. I would like to see him remain a Sabre and watch him grow.
Quoting: Eli
Edmonton and Buffalo seem to lead the league this summer in defensemen they believe are good enough to play on any team in the NHL, at about nine apiece, but neither will take any from the other team, outside of the best three or four. I wonder if that means anything.
Russell is better defensively than Ristolainen, when healthy, but that's so rare it doesn't matter. You're being offered a cap dump/LTIR guy/buried salary at a discount, a 1st, and a recent top-five bust. Like it or don't, on value, but don't panic like Russell's a key piece of value, here.
LOL, again great analysis.
Quoting: BlueSeeker
Buffalo gets a favourable deal and you complain? What the heck is wrong with you?
I guess, no one understands taking on cap to balance the trade.
Quoting: BlueSeeker
An unprotected first from a non playoff team for Risto? No one in their right mind would do that and yet here you are going "nah". What do you want? 2 unprotected first rounders?
Well maybe McDavid and 2 first round picks would be fair.