Report: Habs and Jets interested in Rasmus Ristolainen

The Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets are two teams that have expressed interest in acquiring the defenseman, according to Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.

Ristolainen's deal, which has a cap hit of $5.4 million, has one year left on it. At the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, he will be an unrestricted free agent. In 49 games last season, he scored four goals and added 14 assists.

With captain Shea Weber allegedly in danger of missing the entire upcoming season due to chronic injuries, the Canadiens are likely to have a significant hole to fill on the blue line.

After struggling in their own zone last season, the Jets are seeking to improve their defensive core. According to NHL.com's Tim Campbell, general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff revealed this week that he's trying to add defenseman through trades or free agency.

In Wednesday's expansion draught, Winnipeg might lose defenseman Dylan DeMelo to the Seattle Kraken. Last season, the 28-year-old was a member of the Jets' top four, averaging 16:58 of ice time per game.

Ristolainen was taken eighth overall in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Sabres. In 542 games, he has 46 goals and 199 assists.