I am among Ristolainens biggest critics amongst sabres fans, but that is of no interest to us.

Congrats on making the Canes worse short and long term. It took a lot effort but you did it.

Big pass by buffalo, thats one expensive back up goaliel

Apart from the goaltending i do not think this makes the canes worse. I also think Fleury is capable of a bounce back season. I mean i dont love the Buffalo move but apart from that its not awful

Risto would be traded only for a top 6 forward. I don't think Carolina has any available

Goaltending worse
Situational defense worse. 3rd pairing is hope one can even know where to be positionally. 2nd pairing is worse. Gardiner couldnt cut it in sheltered 3rd pairing now we are going to add him to the 2nd to take on the 2nd biggest shutdown role?
Centers worse: Staal becomes our 2C. Yay!!!
Rod doesn’t play rookies at center.
Long term: worse. We gave zero ability to keep anyone long term. Svech, Dougie, and Laine eat the vast majority of the 28 million. With 5 roster needs, no cap, and a need for a starter, how are we better? We are not, as we have to sell off the depth that has made us good.

That more than likely not going to be enough for Laine. The canes probably need to add a first and a prospect, which im ok to do. With the first coming back with Fleury im ok to take the risk on him having a bounce back year. The issue is he cant be depended on to play 50+ games so the canes are going to need a solid 1B. I would say totally scrap the buffalo deal. Sign Fleury to be the third pairing RHD. If MAF doesnt work out the canes can certinaly move him next offseason for less than whatever they get from vegas to take him on. I would also see guys like Nino and Dzingle being moved out so the canes can upgrade at center beasue Suzuki probably isnt ready

I would totally scrap the Buffalo trade, that we can agree on. I would be ok with a Fleury Reimer tandem. If fleury does not work out the canes would be able to offload him next offseason for less than whatever vegas would have paid the canes to take him. Gardiner improved as the season went on and i am ok to keep him for now, I think you could see Bean step up as the season went on. With the Buffalo traded scrapped, Fleury slots in on the third pair, and would likely be moved throughout the line up situationally. The cap is tight but Laine, Svech, and Hamiton would be worked especially with it sounding like Svech is going to get a bridge deal.

We sacrificed one strength of center for another, 1st line offense. Rod would prefer the former.

With the saturated goalie market, a lot of guys will be forced to take a one year deal. They will get recycled back in the market, while adding Andersen, our current tandem, and Raanta. It won’t be easy moving MAF (even if he accepts the move.

Lol, you can keep your garbage...I'd rather keep Ristolainen.

You have absolutely no clue how to put together a trade...that Laine trade is horrendous too. (They all are.)