In today’s NHL rumors rundown, the Vancouver Canucks have confirmed that Phil Kessel is in Abbotsford skating with the AHL team. Is he signing with the Canucks? Meanwhile, an injury to Rasmus Ristolainen has likely taken him off of the NHL trade bait board. Morgan Rielly is filing an appeal after being handed a five-game suspension. Finally, a deal fell apart between the Calgary Flames and New Jersey Devils for Jacob Markstrom. What went wrong?
Morgan Rielly Filing an Appeal
Maple Leafs defenseman Morgan Rielly is appealing his five-game suspension, launching the process with NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman. Since Rielly’s suspension doesn’t surpass five games, the appeal process involves only one step. Typically, Bettman upholds George Parros’ NHL DoPS rulings. Still, Rielly aims to reduce or overturn the suspension through the appeal process.
The suspension was handed down on Tuesday for a cross-check on Ottawa Senators’ Ridly Greig during Saturday’s game. Following the suspension, Rielly missed the first game as the Maple Leafs secured victory against the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night.
Leading the team’s defensemen with seven goals and 43 points in 50 games, Rielly is a pivotal part of the Maple Leafs’ defense. He averages more than 24:21 per game.
Ristolainen Injury Means Deadline Deal Likely Off the Table
Trade deadline discussions surrounding Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen have taken a dramatic turn, with Flyers GM Daniel Briere revealing a significant injury setback. Currently nursing a minor upper-body injury, Ristolainen’s return lacks a specific timetable, but insiders confirm he’ll be sidelined for a minimum of one month.
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Despite initial interest from teams like Calgary, Toronto, and Vancouver, the likelihood of Ristolainen being traded before the deadline now diminishes. Notably, Ristolainen wasn’t a mere rental player; with considerable term remaining on his contract, teams sought to acquire a player integral to their roster for the next three seasons. This unique aspect made him an appealing trade target for the current season. This could be a trade teams look at in the offseason.
Phil Kessel Set to Join Canucks
Reports emerged on Tuesday that veteran unrestricted free agent Phil Kessel was in Vancouver, poised to join the Canucks for the remainder of the season. The plan is to have him start skating in Abbotsford…
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