Quoting: Rooney
I still think Risto has more value than Butcher but I won't pretend that I follow either team super closely. Maybe my evaluation is wrong. I feel like a 1 for 1 would make sense for both teams though.
Honestly, I think the whole Risto-to-NJD story is this:
Sabres brass wanted to create a market for Ristolainen, sold story to Sabres beat reporter.
Was believable since Devils made an offer for him once before (during Shero era, before they acquired PK Subban).
And now, Devils are just a convenient prop.
Reality is, a Risto-to-NJD trade goes against everything Fitzgerald has done and said since he arrived.
1. He build out analytics team and are now one of most analytics-driven teams in NHL. Advanced stats make Risto look worse.
2. He has been building a team around puck possession and share of scoring opportunities. Risto's biggest weakness is possession.
3. He said that he isn't making any big splash trades or adding any rentals (only additions would be to help core develop). Risto has 1-year remaining.
4. He has said he will don't deal from pipeline or decrease total number of picks.
5. He has also said he saved his last salary retention spot for a pre-expansion trade (that is why NJD didn't trade Murray at deadline). My guess is that he has some deal in his pocket with Tampa Bay, NY islanders, Pittsburgh...one of the cap-strapped teams, for a d-man.