why? we have RD coming, how is adding to that log jam better than simply riding out Anderson?

This appears to just be a trade for the sake of making a trade, and it does not move the needle for either team. From the Flyers perspective, I bet they think they can extract more value out of a Ristolainen trade than an Anderson trade. RHD has way more positional value than winger and Ristolainen is a better player than Anderson right now. The market for his skill set is much bigger. Ristolainen (with 33% retention) can be moved at the deadline for an actual asset, cap relief or both. Can't say the same for Anderson.

Philly won’t do this, Risto has positive value if they retain some salary on him

I see why Philly would do this, since they have young Defense that can be brought up, but this is the same reason why Montreal wouldn't do this. Montreal declines.

Ristolainen is blocking the path of young D.

IMO - Risto would provide for a stop-gap at RHD to let Mailloux and Reinbacher develop in the AHL longer. I see no need to rush them.

Savard will be gone by TD anyway.

No rushing them and blocking 1/3 of roster spots for the next 3 years is two very different things.

MTL has no big wingers prospects and soo much Dmen. This deal just makes it worse.

This indeed, we also have more than enough wingers already and would rather get rid of some than add 1 more, unless we'd be talking about clear cut Top 6 LW.

I understand your logic, but I strongly disagree.

You can put Anderson in more slots on the team compared to Risto. If he would have 1or 2 years, it's a different conversation.

Flyers declined

I would rather resign savard who is already an established leader on the team if thats a true need than add Risto. Also Mailloux just set the rookie scoring record for Laval and looked fine in the few games he dressed with the habs if he shows up to camp ready to go then give him a spot, Reinbacher will probably warrent a bit of team in MTL as well. Just because you stow a player in the AHL for longer doesnt mean they actually develop better.