Who would you take Risto or Andy Macdonald?
- hello it's me 2050

Here’s an example of an NHL defenceman versus an AHL one.

Absolutely Ristolainen is better overall but he's not better defensively. Ristolainen is weak defensively to this point in his career. The real issue is Ristolainen that much better to give up a 1st, 2nd and Haag on top and having to renegotiate a new contract in which he has UFA leverage and is likely to be in the 7M range. Certainly not in my opinion. Again, with the caveat that in a hypothetical signing, I don't know that Zadorov would be the right fit as a LH shot.
- MJL

The one benefit the Flyers have, if you can call it that, is because they are not paying any of their defenseman $9M per, the can handle having 3 defenseman making $6M+ per. The downside is I am sure the almost certainty the Flyers resign Risto at a higher price means Sanheim is playing elsewhere so he can get paid. No doubt Fletcher put a lot of chips in the middle on this one, and he might be rewarded or busted. He certainly has no option to fold at this point.

What a pathetic news conference by Biden.

Blaming the Afghan military for the current situation, and them not continuing to fight. The same people you sold a bag of magic beans to so they would fight on your behalf.

Teach them, and train them to fight as we do with air support. Pull the air support, and leave them high and dry. What idiot would stay and fight at that point knowing they were screwed.
- FlyerFan3260

The U.S has no business in Afghanistan. They have been there fighting for what 2 Decades and there has been no progress at all. If the Afghan Military isnt willing to fight why should the U.S fight and have their people killed? Pulling out was way overdue

This had nothing to do with tickets IMO, Fletcher has been wanting Risto for over 3 years so when he became available he jumped at the chance. Risto IMO is better than Zadorov in every aspect, and I'm looking forward to watching Risto play with something to prove in a contract year for the Flyers.
- jd250

every aspect?!?!?! that would include defensive, which is the primary responsibility for a defensemen

The one benefit the Flyers have, if you can call it that, is because they are not paying any of their defenseman $9M per, the can handle having 3 defenseman making $6M+ per. The downside is I am sure the almost certainty the Flyers resign Risto at a higher price means Sanheim is playing elsewhere so he can get paid. No doubt Fletcher put a lot of chips in the middle on this one, and he might be rewarded or busted. He certainly has no option to fold at this point.
- jd250

Yea, they can handle it if they make cuts elsewhere but that's not the point. The point is if a player is worthy of that contract. So your point that they can "handle" it is a bad one.

every aspect?!?!?! that would include defensive, which is the primary responsibility for a defensemen
- THE BLACK HAND

The poster is simply not aware or not willing to recognize the shortcomings of Ristolainen as a player to this point in his career.

Ristolainen is not selling any more tickets
- ClaudeFather

See that’s funny because I’d buy a ticket to see him play. Along with the other players we just picked up. He’s a big physical guy and some fans like this, so right away, you’re wrong.

See that’s funny because I’d buy a ticket to see him play. Along with the other players we just picked up. He’s a big physical guy and some fans like this, so right away, you’re wrong.
- SuperSchennBros

This is a good point. Last year was the first year I didn’t watch all the games. Even if losing now I can at least look forward to the entertaining huge hits. I won’t write him off until I see them play a full season with us. Absolutely adds to the entertainment value imo.

Yea, they can handle it if they make cuts elsewhere but that's not the point. The point is if a player is worthy of that contract. So your point that they can "handle" it is a bad one.
- MJL

my point is not a bad one, if Risto plays like I think he will, he will be worth every penny and every pick they gave up to get him. look for Sanheim to get a one year deal.

every aspect?!?!?! that would include defensive, which is the primary responsibility for a defensemen
- THE BLACK HAND

yes every aspect including defense, and I expect you will see it this year, that is if you actually know what you are watching

The poster is simply not aware or not willing to recognize the shortcomings of Ristolainen as a player to this point in his career.
- MJL

no, this poster recognizes Risto has ALL the tools to be a great defenseman in this league if put in the right position, which I am very hopeful he is now in! I have no bias towards who made the trade or what useless picks were given up.

my point is not a bad one, if Risto plays like I think he will, he will be worth every penny and every pick they gave up to get him. look for Sanheim to get a one year deal.
- jd250

If that was your original point, which is wasn't, then I might be more in agreement. You don't pay 3 defenseman 6M just because you can handle it. You pay them that because their play warrants it.

I support the optimism and all that really matters is how he plays as a Flyers from this point forward. That doesn't change that if we're looking at the player to this point in his career, he has been a player that is good on the PP. Decent on the PK but mediocre to poor at 5 on 5 play. That's just the facts to this point. Again lets hope he improves and keep an open mind but thinking he is going to excel as a Flyer is just that, hope.

no, this poster recognizes Risto has ALL the tools to be a great defenseman in this league if put in the right position, which I am very hopeful he is now in! I have no bias towards who made the trade or what useless picks were given up.
- jd250

You proved my point. Ristolainen has not come close to showing any signs that he can be a great player in this league. In fact he's shown the opposite to this point in his career. Your recognition is not reality to this point. Again, with the useless pick comments. Not a credible statement

yes every aspect including defense, and I expect you will see it this year, that is if you actually know what you are watching
- jd250

The irony and lack of self awareness is astounding

yes every aspect including defense, and I expect you will see it this year, that is if you actually know what you are watching
- jd250

How do you explain that every reputable source as well as all the available data shows that he is not good overall defensively? Is all of that wrong and you're right? What can you offer to support that opinion.

I posted a bunch of information on another thread. Address it counter it.

https://hockeybuzz.com/bo...174343&page=last#21753685

How do you explain that every reputable source as well as all the available data shows that he is not good overall defensively? Is all of that wrong and you're right? What can you offer to support that opinion.

I posted a bunch of information on another thread. Address it counter it.

https://hockeybuzz.com/bo...174343&page=last#21753685
- MJL

nah he would put his player evaluation skills up against every GM and scout in the league

Did you set up a return encounter?
- hello it's me 2050

No, I gave them both aids so they'd have something to remember me by.

I don’t hear a lot of positives coming out today about JOB. Except from you…
Obviously you don’t go in the first round if your not super talented. I think the draft list should always be taken with a grain of salt…. All those guys have as many misses as hits…for the most part they don’t see them play, they form a consensus of the scouts they know and trust.
- landros 2

No true, there are a lot of positive things being said about JOB's year last season and his development. If he stays on track this year at BU he will be challenging for a spot on the Flyers next year. Where have you read differently, and are those people actually watching his games and his development? I mean, Bill Meltzer has commented about this already, and if he doesn't know with his connections to scouts within the Flyers' organization, then no one does.

If that was your original point, which is wasn't, then I might be more in agreement. You don't pay 3 defenseman 6M just because you can handle it. You pay them that because their play warrants it.

I support the optimism and all that really matters is how he plays as a Flyers from this point forward. That doesn't change that if we're looking at the player to this point in his career, he has been a player that is good on the PP. Decent on the PK but mediocre to poor at 5 on 5 play. That's just the facts to this point. Again lets hope he improves and keep an open mind but thinking he is going to excel as a Flyer is just that, hope.
- MJL

Of course, and that is exactly my point, the Flyers can afford to pay 3 defenseman $6M+ because the are not paying 1 defenseman $9M over many years. I don't understand why this has to be hard or a controversial statement. And I agree, looking at the metrics Risto is a poor defensive player, but I think you and I both agree that individual metrics are heavily skewed by the team you play on, so I'm glad we can at least agree that its appropriate to be optimistic about Risto. He does check all the boxes when it comes to what the Flyers needed on defense.

You know for a fact , dude what are you his father or something, get over this JOB THING
- ClaudeFather

Yes, believe it or not, some people who have played hockey most of their life, and even coached it for a bit, might know other people that actually work in hockey and sometimes can tell you things. I know this might be a concept that is difficult for you to grasp, but it does happen sometimes.

How do you explain that every reputable source as well as all the available data shows that he is not good overall defensively? Is all of that wrong and you're right? What can you offer to support that opinion.

I posted a bunch of information on another thread. Address it counter it.

https://hockeybuzz.com/bo...174343&page=last#21753685
- MJL

IMO the data is heavily skewed by the team you play for. Secondly, how many of those reputable sources watch Risto play every night? I certainly have not watched Risto play every night, and I can read his possession metrics just like anyone else. But I trust my own player evaluation, and I believe 100% barring injury Risto is going to have a fantastic season for the Flyers. Look, if I am wrong, you will be the first to tell me so, so savor the opportunity and lets look forward to the season.

Absolutely Ristolainen is better overall but he's not better defensively. Ristolainen is weak defensively to this point in his career. The real issue is Ristolainen that much better to give up a 1st, 2nd and Haag on top and having to renegotiate a new contract in which he has UFA leverage and is likely to be in the 7M range. Certainly not in my opinion. Again, with the caveat that in a hypothetical signing, I don't know that Zadorov would be the right fit as a LH shot.
- MJL

Risto is a better defensive player than Zadorov, for proof go look at their possession metrics over their careers and then get back to me with an apology!

Of course, and that is exactly my point, the Flyers can afford to pay 3 defenseman $6M+ because the are not paying 1 defenseman $9M over many years. I don't understand why this has to be hard or a controversial statement. And I agree, looking at the metrics Risto is a poor defensive player, but I think you and I both agree that individual metrics are heavily skewed by the team you play on, so I'm glad we can at least agree that its appropriate to be optimistic about Risto. He does check all the boxes when it comes to what the Flyers needed on defense.
- jd250

No, he doesn't check all the boxes when it comes to what the Flyers need on defense. LOL. The Flyers were poor defensively last year. How does adding a defenseman who is poor defensively check all the boxes? How does adding a defenseman who has been mediocre at best in 5 on 5 play check all the boxes?

Again, that they can afford to pay 3 defenseman 6+M is irrelevant.

IMO the data is heavily skewed by the team you play for. Secondly, how many of those reputable sources watch Risto play every night? I certainly have not watched Risto play every night, and I can read his possession metrics just like anyone else. But I trust my own player evaluation, and I believe 100% barring injury Risto is going to have a fantastic season for the Flyers. Look, if I am wrong, you will be the first to tell me so, so savor the opportunity and lets look forward to the season.
- jd250

Did they watch Ristolainen as much as you have? Your evaluation of Ristolainen does not support trusting that evaluation nor does it demonstrate any credible skill in player evaluation. You have consistently ignored his shortcoming to this point as a player.
Actually, no I won't be the first to tell you you're wrong. I like optimism. I like hope. I have no issue with hoping Ristolainen plays well. I share that hope but that's all it is, is hope. I already know you're wrong with your evaluation of Ristolainen to this point in his career. You've used the adjective "great" to describe him.

Risto is a better defensive player than Zadorov, for proof go look at their possession metrics over their careers and then get back to me with an apology!
- jd250

Let's look at shot prevention, shall we.

Between 18/19 and 20/21, 3 seasons of data

Ristolainen CA/60 57.12
Zadorov CA/60 56

Zadorov is better

Let's look at CF%

Ristolainen 46.29%
Zadorov 48.54%

Zadorov is better


Let's look at goal prevention

Ristolainen GA/60 2.94
Zadorov GA/60 1.96

Zadorov is better. By almost a full goal.

I chose to look at the last 3 seasons because it better represents the players as they are today. However, we can look at full careers also. They both came into the league at the same time. Here is a hint though., The data favors Zadorov there also.

Anything else you want to look at? Apology for what? Proving you wrong again. I keep reading about how good you say your player evaluations are. Yet we see that again, you don't have the info and aren't aware that Ristolainen has not been a good player at 5 on 5 in his career to this point.