As expected when he underwent triceps surgery back in March after suffering an injury there for the second straight season, Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen won’t be available to start the season. Speaking with reporters today (video link), GM Daniel Briere indicated that the blueliner is progressing well but won’t join the team until a month or two into the season. The 30-year-old had a bounce-back showing last season, picking up 19 points along with 94 blocks and 97 hits in 63 games while averaging over 20 minutes a night. He was recently cleared to resume skating in a non-contact jersey.
Elsewhere around the hockey world:
- With Oilers superstar Connor McDavid entering the final year of his contract, some are surprised that a deal hasn’t been signed yet. In his latest column for The Athletic (subscription link), Chris Johnston relays that the center isn’t believed to be seeking a specific number in terms of AAV. The benchmark on that front has moved several times in recent years with his teammate Leon Draisaitl ($14MM) now the leader. It’s widely expected that McDavid will surpass that number by a sizable margin but there isn’t a particular target in mind.
- The Canucks announced that they have exercised the team option on Abbotsford head coach Manny Malhotra’s contract, keeping him signed through the 2026-27 season. Malhotra had quite the first season in Vancouver’s system, leading Abbotsford to a 44-24-2-2 record in the regular season, including a late-season 13-game winning streak that gave them plenty of momentum heading into the playoffs. There, they went 16-8 overall on their way to the Calder Cup title, making the decision to extend his contract a very simple one.
- While many teams are revealing their training camp rosters, the Sabres are trimming theirs. The team announced that forwards Matous Kucharcik, Melvin Novotny, Ryan Rucinski, and Ashton Schultz, along with defenseman Luke Dragusica, have all been returned to their respective junior teams. The four forwards were all part of Buffalo’s draft class back in June.
Connor McDavid I feel is going to see how the season plays out before truly considering an extension or contemplating going elsewhere next summer.
Thanks for sharing. I guess you have a 50/50 shot of being right but don’t forget to come back if he signs new deal on Saturday
Risto peaked at the World Juniors.
McDavid has no trust in Bowman, Nor should he, McDavid definitely wants to see what Edmonton management does to improve the club between now, And next July. I still think if Edmonton doesn’t win the cup this season, And right now, The roster looks really bad, McDavid will be signing with the Kings next summer.