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Rasmus RistolainenKyle Ross-Imagn ImagesThree NHL defensemen recently made headlines due to rumor mill speculations, with Dante Fabbro placed on waivers by Nashville Predators this past Saturday despite having been selected in 2016’s first-round as an 18th pick but failing to establish himself as one of their four regular defensemen. Over the last two seasons, Fabbro had occasionally surfaced as trade bait. Many assumed his inconsistent play and $2.5-million cap hit would see him pass through waivers without issue. However, on Sunday the Columbus Blue Jackets acquired him. Anthony Di Marco from Daily Faceoff suggested last week that Ristolainen might prove valuable as trade bait for Philadelphia Flyers. Ristolainen’s defensive play has garnered some criticism; however, he’s done an admirable job filling in for injured Cam York alongside Travis Sanheim for more than 19 minutes per game averaging 19+. According to Di Marco, Ristolainen could fetch the Flyers an asking price equivalent of first round pick for trade (using Ben Chiarot and David Savard as examples of comparable rearguards who’ve seen success selling on trade market), drawing some interest on said market if the Flyers decided to try moving him this season. Contract may prove an obstacle; with an average annual value through 2026-27 estimated by The Hockey News’ Michael DeRosa at an estimated $5 Million annual average a year from now through 2027-28, his annual contract could still pose issues to being traded away to another team – perhaps Edmonton Oilers, Utah Hockey Club and Vancouver Canucks could make attractive trade partners for him? He cited Oilers need for right-handed defenceman, Utah injuries and Vancouver’s past relationship with Ristolainen as key motivating factors; however, to make an offer work under their budget constraints Oilers and Canucks would require half of his cap hit to remain with Flyers plus additional salary clearance costs to be satisfied by them. Utah recently signed Olli Maatta to their roster while Michael Kesselring has continued his impressive play with seven points in 15 games. Meanwhile, Buffalo Sabres General Manager Kevyn Adams remains actively looking to bolster his roster through trade, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman who reported Friday that several teams are inquiring about defenseman Bowen Byram and forward Dylan Cozens from Buffalo’s roster. Adams acquired 23-year-old Bowen Byram from Colorado Avalanche last season in exchange for Casey Mittelstadt. Byram (32:34 of total ice time in one game this season). He became only the sixth Sabres skater ever to surpass 32 minutes in one game since Rasmus Ristolainen did so against Toronto on February 6, 2018 (32:39). Byram has become an attractive option to other teams after helping lead Colorado Avalanche to win their inaugural Stanley Cup championship in 2022. His skill as a puck-moving rearguard combined with winning an NHL Cup is understandably attractive. Friedman noted the Sabres general manager has no interest in trading Byram or Cozens at this time. He wants trades that help the Sabres now without jeopardizing their future. Subscribe to The Hockey News newsletter here, and share your opinions by commenting directly below each article or in our forum.