Ristolainen is the very definition of a player that has extremely desirable traits but can't utilize them effectively. I think this trade also illustrates just how poor most NHL gm's are at evaluating talent.
He is huge
He is physical
He is a right handed shot
He is a capable offensive threat
He can log huge minutes
The problem is that he can't defend worth a lick, doesn't utilize his teammates effectively, and generally lacks the ability to process the game at a high level which is absolutely needed given the deployment he has received to date. He is a player that can and likely will find some success when not being relied upon so heavily and catered towards but that's certainly not a player you move the 13th overall pick for especially with one year left on his deal.
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