I like the ristolainen trade. Honestly as a flyers fan, I want to see a big body absolutely smoke the opposition, and risto will provide that consistent big body on the back end, with a nasty streak. Overall, the flyers top 4 looks much more solid than it has been for some time, with one of the prospects (def York) taking that 6th spot this year.

I’m so tired of the flyers building for the future but, never producing anything of substance. In acquiring Ellis and Risto, you’ve acquired two young/mid-aged veterans to provide stability on defense, which we were glaringly exposed on last year. Some stability on defense will hopefully impact a return of Carter Hart’s game.

In addition, Ristolainen is on an expiring contract after playing all of his professional hockey, with the absolute black hole of the NHL, the Buffalo Sabres. If he has a solid season we would obviously be top of the pecking order in-terms of negotiating a new contract. If he sucks, we just go our separate ways.

I feel like Chuck’s not done and is still looking to shop Jake or JVR.