The other potential issue with the Ristolainen trade that isn't being discussed is this. What if he really struggles? What if the Flyers miss the playoffs? You will likely have Fletcher being fired, and the new GM facing a decision of potentially overpaying this player, or facing the prospect of the team giving up a first and second round pick for what amounts to one season from Ristolainen. Better hope he plays well, because this scenario is a nightmare.
- PLindbergh31

Chuck's made his bed. Time to lay in it.

I'm going to tell you right now, this Flyers team is not going to be soft. While they may not be a bunch of big hitters, you don't have to hurt another team, just be strong on the puck and around the net.
- MJL

I am telling you right now the forwards will be soft.

The other potential issue with the Ristolainen trade that isn't being discussed is this. What if he really struggles? What if the Flyers miss the playoffs? You will likely have Fletcher being fired, and the new GM facing a decision of potentially overpaying this player, or facing the prospect of the team giving up a first and second round pick for what amounts to one season from Ristolainen. Better hope he plays well, because this scenario is a nightmare.
- PLindbergh31

The Flyers are NOT missing the playoffs, unless their entire team gets the Delta variant mid season. They are good team and should challenge for top spot in the Metro division. Whether they go deep or not in the playoffs is another question, but you have to make the playoffs first to know, and this Flyers team will make it for sure, 100%. Risto is a good defenseman, so is Ellis, and so is Yandle. Fletcher has done a tremendous job improving the defense on this team!

It’s the worst group in the league according to many, no chance of being successful
- ClaudeFather

Who has issues with the forward corps? As an outsider I think your team is strong there. Blueline and goaltending is where I'd be skeptical.

To me, the logical next step is to trade JVR for more speed and size. You can't be playing a $7M forward on your 3rd line, and JVR is unfortunately not good enough to beat out the current top 6 on this team. The next choice to trade for me would be TK.
- jd250

I hear you but if you win, you can play anyone anywhere.

The Flyers are NOT missing the playoffs, unless their entire team gets the Delta variant mid season. They are good team and should challenge for top spot in the Metro division. Whether they go deep or not in the playoffs is another question, but you have to make the playoffs first to know, and this Flyers team will make it for sure, 100%. Risto is a good defenseman, so is Ellis, and so is Yandle. Fletcher has done a tremendous job improving the defense on this team!
- jd250

Problem is.... they're in the Metro division, not the Pacific. They could win 40-games and still not make the cutoff.

I am telling you right now the forwards will be soft.
- hello it's me 2050

I think with the replacement of Jake with Atkinson, and the ability of the team overall to practice, this team will improve their ability to win puck battles and turn the puck over less. However, they do lack forwards that can make the other team pay in the corners, at least right now.

Who has issues with the forward corps? As an outsider I think your team is strong there. Blueline and goaltending is where I'd be skeptical.
- jfkst1

The flyers buzz folks think that our best group going into the off-season is somehow a huge question mark. At this point the biggest question is can they get back on track and play as a 5 man unit and will the goaltending rebound. I have faith in Hart and I’d like to think last year was an anomaly. Hopefully with a real nhl camp and off-season for most things will correct themselves.

Hartsy was on an interview recently where he said Atkinson loves to cheat out of the zone.

I know we've beat the "Keep G on the wing" horse to death but what about this line-up...

Oskar Lindblom - Claude Giroux - Travis Konecny
Joel Farabee - Kevin Hayes - Cam Atkinson
James van Riemsdyk - Sean Couturier - Wade Allison
Scott Laughton - Nate Thompson - Nicolas Aube-Kubel

3 scoring lines. We could even flip JVR and Oskar. I also don't like a $7 mil player on 3rd line.
- cdearth23

You want a player like Couturier getting top center ice time. That lineup keeps other lines off the ice

Problem is.... they're in the Metro division, not the Pacific. They could win 40-games and still not make the cutoff.
- Tomahawk

Always tough to write off a Washington or Pitt, islanders are what they are, Carolina is a good team as well. I think we are a top 4 team, but it is a tough division. Might lack the elite team but they have plenty of solid squads.

I hear you but if you win, you can play anyone anywhere.
- MJL

Yes, another option is Giroux could also move down to the 3rd line which opens up a top 6 spot for a younger player to earn. Wouldn't be a bad 3rd line of JVR/G/Laughton.

Risto is NOT going to be a 1 year rental, so everyone should get this thought out of their heads. First and foremost, Fletcher is a very competent GM and would not give up this much for a rental. Secondly, Fletcher has stated he has been wanting to get Risto for over 3 seasons now because he has a unique skill set of size, toughness, speed and the ability to play both PP and PK. Do you honestly think he's walking at the end of this year?? No freak'n way!
- jd250

It's a recipe for a bad future contract. Ristolainen's agent is salivating.

It's a recipe for a bad future contract. Ristolainen's agent is salivating.
- MJL

What are the chances that CF hands Risto a big extension + NMC before he even sees what he looks like on the ice with the team?

Problem is.... they're in the Metro division, not the Pacific. They could win 40-games and still not make the cutoff.
- Tomahawk

Honestly, looking at the Metro teams, which one scares you the most? I think the Islanders are clearly the favorite, especially with Anders Lee coming back. Do the Caps scare you? I think the Flyers match up well against the Caps. How about Pittsburgh? I actually think the Flyers right now are better than them. Carolina? Its close but again I think the Flyers are right there with them. The Rangers? Columbus? New Jersey? The Flyers are better than these teams. I would definitely be surprised, sadly, if the Flyers were not in the top 3 of the Metro and seriously challenging for the top spot.

It's a recipe for a bad future contract. Ristolainen's agent is salivating.
- MJL

As is ex selkes.

As is ex selkes.
- hello it's me 2050

What if he’s a selke candidate for the next 5 years? Does that matter or no, he won one in the past so he’s done

It's a recipe for a bad future contract. Ristolainen's agent is salivating.
- MJL

If Risto has a good year with the Flyers, the market will dictate his price and it will be higher based on the contracts that were signed this off season. Risto will be 27 years old and in his prime years. If he earns the money, you pay him and move other salary just like Fletcher did this off season. It does not have to be a bad contract just because it will be a substantial one.

What are the chances that CF hands Risto a big extension + NMC before he even sees what he looks like on the ice with the team?



- Tomahawk

Depends on what both parties want to do. I can see either option happening. I also don't think he will get this big raise many say he will get. 6 per or same is how I see it seeing what other dman signed for this off season. He isn't a star player. He is only 26 so a 6 year deal wouldn't be that bad on the surface. Though chuck doesn't seem like a good negotiator.

Though the player may wait to see how healthy the league is before signing.

If Risto has a good year with the Flyers, the market will dictate his price and it will be higher based on the contracts that were signed this off season. Risto will be 27 years old and in his prime years. If he earns the money, you pay him and move other salary just like Fletcher did this off season. It does not have to be a bad contract just because it will be a substantial one.
- jd250

Fletcher has put the team in position where they have to pay him whether he earns it or not. That's the point.

What if he’s a selke candidate for the next 5 years? Does that matter or no, he won one in the past so he’s done
- ClaudeFather

What if? You tell me. He wasn't a selke candidate this year.

either way has noting to do with his agent salivating as well.

Fletcher has put the team in position where they have to pay him whether he earns it or not. That's the point.
- MJL

Wrong. He can walk away very easily.

What if? You tell me. He wasn't a selke candidate this year.

either way has noting to do with his agent salivating as well.
- hello it's me 2050

You’re whole premise is also based off of what if , so you tell me

Fletcher has put the team in position where they have to pay him whether he earns it or not. That's the point.
- MJL

Sure, but the Flyers do not have to pay him top dollar if he has another poor season, which I don't believe he will. I think a lot of teams around the league are interested in watching how Risto does with the Flyers, given his poor analytics with the Sabres over the years.

You’re whole premise is also based off of what if , so you tell me
- ClaudeFather

What part are you not understanding that ex selkes agent is licking his chops? His client is going to get paid big time. Do you disagree with that?