The Latest NHL Trade Buzz About Rasmus Ristolainen And Bowen Byram

Three NHL defensemen recently surfaced in the rumor mill.

One of them, Dante Fabbro, was placed on waivers on Saturday by the Nashville Predators. A first-round pick in 2016, the 26-year-old struggled to establish himself as a top-four defender. He'd occasionally surfaced in trade rumors over the last two seasons.

It was assumed that Fabbro's inconsistent play and $2.5-million cap hit would see him pass through waivers. However, the Columbus Blue Jackets claimed him on Sunday.

Last week, Daily Faceoff's Anthony Di Marco suggested Rasmus Ristolainen could become a valuable trade chip for the Philadelphia Flyers. The 30-year-old blueliner's defensive play has drawn criticism, but he's looked good filling in for the sidelined Cam York alongside Travis Sanheim, averaging over 19 minutes per game.

Di Marco claimed the Flyers could set an asking price of a first-round pick or value equivalent for Ristolainen, pointing to what comparable rearguards like Ben Chiarot and David Savard fetched on the trade market.

Ristolainen's improved play could draw some interest in the trade market if the Flyers decide to move him this season. His contract could still be an obstacle, with an average annual value of $5.1 million through 2026-27.

The Hockey News' Michael DeRosa suggested the Edmonton Oilers, Utah Hockey Club and Vancouver Canucks as potential trade destinations. He cited the Oilers' need for a right-handed D-man, Utah's injuries and Vancouver's past connections to Ristolainen. However, the cap-strapped Oilers and Canucks would need the Flyers to retain half of his cap hit, and they'd still need to clear salary on top of that. Utah recently acquired defenseman Olli Maatta while promising Michael Kesselring continues playing well with seven points in 15 games.

Meanwhile, Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams is still calling around seeking a trade to bolster his roster.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that teams are asking Adams about defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Dylan Cozens. Adams acquired the 23-year-old Byram for the Colorado Avalanche last season in exchange for center Casey Mittelstadt.

It's understandable why other clubs would be interested in Byram. He's a gifted puck-moving rearguard who won a Stanley Cup with the Colorado Avalanche in 2022. This season, Byram has nine points in 15 games with a plus-minus of plus-four.

Friedman indicated the Sabres GM isn't interested in moving Byram or Cozens. He's only seeking trades that help the Sabres now without jeopardizing their future.

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