RASMUS RISTOLAINEN (rihs-toh-LIGH-nehn)
POSITION: Defense
DRAFTED: 2013 - 1st Round (8th overall) by Buffalo Sabres
AGE: 27 (10-27-1994)
BORN: Turku, Finland
VITALS: 6'4", 218 pounds
SHOOTS: Right
"Rasmus is an important part of our team and we are very happy to have him on our blue line for the next five years," said Fletcher. "He is committed to being a Flyer, and brings a consistent physical presence to our team."
Ristolainen is in his first season with the Flyers where he has recorded 13 points (2g-11a) in 49 games, while logging an average go 21:22 of ice time, which ranks third on the team of players who have played more than 10 games this season.
He leads the team in hits (177), which ranks third among all NHL defensemen and is T-8th among all players. He is also third on the Flyers in blocked shots (90).
Ristolainen was acquired on July 23, 2021 in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for the Flyers' first round pick (13th overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft, the Flyers' own second round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and defenseman Robert Hagg.
Over parts of the last six seasons, Ristolainen ranks second among all NHL defensemen in hits (1,209).
Over parts of nine seasons in the NHL, Ristolainen has 258 points (48g-210a) in 591 regular season games.
Internationally, he has represented Finland throughout his career... He helped lead the team to a gold medal at the 2014 World Junior Championships.
"I'm very happy and I really wanted to stay. It's a great feeling to have it done before the deadline," said Ristolainen. "I love this city. I love the fans. I love my teammates and I want to be here when we turn it around next year."
