PHILADELPHIA — FlyersSigned defenseman Rasmus RistolainenThe team announced Thursday a five-year extension to their contract.
The deal is valued at $5.1 million annually, according to Chuck Fletcher (Flyers president of hockey operations) This deal comes just 11 days before NHL trade deadline.
Fletcher released a statement saying that Rasmus was an integral part our team and that we are happy to have him as our blue liner for the next five-years. He is a committed Flyer and provides a constant physical presence to the team.
Ristolainen, 6’4″, is in his first season as a Flyer. He has 2 goals and 11 assists in 49 games and averages 21:22 minutes of ice time. He has 177 hits, which is third among NHL defensemen. He also has 90 blocked shots.
“I’m happy and really wanted to stay. Ristolainen, 27, said that it was a wonderful feeling to get it done before the deadline. “I love this place. I love the fans. I love my teammates and I want to be there when we turn the tide next year.”
Ristolainen was purchased in July as part of a trade with The Buffalo SabresThe Flyers’ first-round (13th) pick in 2021 was exchanged for their second-round (2023) pick and defenseman. Robert Hagg.
In 2013, the Sabres selected the Finnish player as the eighth overall selection. In 591 regular-season matches, he has scored 48 goals and provided 210 assists.