Habs want nothing to do with pageau unless you’re taking Armia back.

Not sure how much this adds to the discussion, ruotsalainen is close to a point per game ahl player, and I believe he led the shl in scoring a few years ago. He's somewhere between 5'5" and 5'9" depending on what you read (or actually see when he's standing next to somebody that you know to be 5'10"). He got sent down because our coach did not like his overall game, and he has since been passed by some higher draft picks. I was looking forward to seeing him play, I thought if the size didn't get in the way that he would be a really nice find. But that didn't happen, and it looks like it won't happen next year either, at least here. So I saw somebody comment that he signed a contract to play in Switzerland next year, which doesn't seem far fetched. So if anybody trades for him, it's probably gonna have to be with the understanding that he's in the NHL or he's in europe

He says he has not signed to play in Switzerland:
http://www.buffalohockeybeat.com/amerks-arttu-ruotsalainen-sees-future-with-sabres-hasnt-signed-in-europe/
While AHL results do not translate to NHL performance, he may find a role on the Sabres next year especially if Hinostroza decides to sign elsewhere.

As to the trade, Varlamov could be a good bridge to shelter Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen for one more year.
This past year if the Sabres had Varlamov, I would imagine they could have an additional 15 pts.

While quite short he is also very broad like a Tolkien dwarf not frail at all.

Thank you, very interesting