REPORT: Maple Leafs In A Bidding War With The Canucks For Defenseman And It's Not Chris Tanev
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James Connelly
Feb 9, 2024 (11:14)
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Photo credit: Hockey Feed
The Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks are both targeting a top defenseman and it is not who you would think it is!
Leafs and Canucks Bidding On Ristolainen
Recently, Philadelphia Flyers insider Anthony Di Marco dropped some major news about defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
As mentioned by Elliotte Friedman in 32T, Ristolainen's play has drawn attention - but the contract does make things complicated.
Speaking with another team, Risto is valued at a ~$3.5M AAV. PHI is willing to retain but it will come at a cost.
Speaking with another team, Risto is valued at a ~$3.5M AAV. PHI is willing to retain but it will come at a cost.
Di Marco also mentioned that the top two bidders on Ristolainen were the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Vancouver Canucks.
The #LeafsForever and #canucks are the two main teams I've heard tied to Ristolainen.
The 29-year-old defenseman was initially the 8th overall pick in the 2013 draft and has had an up-and-down tenure in the NHL. He has played over 700 games split between the Flyers and the Sabres.
Despite lackluster numbers this year, Ristolainen has been producing solid underlying metrics and could be primed for a true breakout year coming up.
At 6'4", Ristolainen will have a home on most blue lines and now it appears to be down to the Leafs and Canucks as his next team.
As seen on Hockey Feed - Rumor: Leafs and Canucks both bidding for the same defenseman and it's not Chris Tanev
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