07 Jun 2018 04:44:04
just reading a new article on players most likely to be traded at the draft, and Buffalo’s Ryan O’Rielly and Rasmus Ristolainen are on the list. Both these players fill a need for the Leafs, and a trade with Buffalo could be in order.

Blockbuster trade

Leafs trade Nylander, Liljegren, Bracco, 1st
Buffalo trade O’Rielly, Ristolainen
(Buffalo retains $1.5M on O’Reilly’s contract) .

Ristolainen is here and now, while Liljegren is at least a couple years away. Liljegren will never be as physical as Ristolainen, and probably about the same offensively.

O’Rielly is a bit of a pussy, despite his size, but is a proven center and still isn’t as soft as Wee Willy.

Both these guys are huge, signed to long term contracts, and can put up the points. Leafs significantly improve both defense and centre positions.

Thoughts?

1.) 07 Jun 2018
07 Jun 2018 10:59:43
I wouldn't even think twice about doing this. Not sure if Buffalo would though.

2.) 07 Jun 2018
07 Jun 2018 12:10:02
I feel like Buffalo would want a little more, but I love the one-stop shopping. And O'Reilly is awesome. Although who knows how Kadri and Ristolainen would get along in the same dressing room, dem boys got some beef. That would be my only fear with acquiring him.

3.) 07 Jun 2018
07 Jun 2018 16:20:47
O’Reilly is too old and too expensive.

Would love Ristolainen though. He’s on cusp of becoming elite defenseman in the league.

4.) 07 Jun 2018
07 Jun 2018 18:19:54
Then flip O'Reilly to Calgary for Hamilton?

With picks prospects going either way?

5.) 07 Jun 2018
07 Jun 2018 19:20:42
Risto isn't going anywhere. He'll be on the right side with Dahlin. I hate buffalo but that's the perfect top pairing if u ask me.