His defense in Buffalo wasn't overlooked. It was objectively bad. Ristolainen is now playing in a conservative defense first system. It's the equivalent of playing a packed in zone in basketball. He deserves credit for playing well when asked to move up. Like any player. Best to judge over a large sample.
- MJL
I believe it was somewhat overlooked or at least accepted….why else would he continue to get the minutes of a top pair d man? The guy averaged 25-26 minutes a night for 4 plus years…he averaged over 22 minutes a night his last two years. As you have said it’s not like he’s ever been good …in fact he was objectively bad in his own end. I’m sure when the Flyers traded that package for him it wasn’t for todays version. I’m sure they thought they could perhaps work on his defensive game without losing that guy who put up 4 seasons of 40 plus points.
The trade it self has been a failure when everything is considered. Both how they use him and how he has preformed.
With all that said there are a lot of bad d men in the NHL. If Risto continues to play like this for an extended period….(one of the top expected goals for D men in the NHL this season) then I do beleive there will be a market if the Flyers choose to seek a trade.