The Philadelphia Flyers are doubling down on their investment in Rasmus Ristolainen. The NHL franchise just announced the signing of Ristolainen to a new five-year extension to keep the Finnish defenseman in Philly through the 2026-27 season.
Ristolainen, who joined the Flyers in a trade from the Buffalo Sabres last summer, will have a $5.1 million annual salary when his extension kicks in next season.
The Flyers gave up significant capital to get Ristolainen, including a no. 13 pick in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. So far, the 27-year-old has met the expectations, leading the team in hits (177) and blocking 90 shots in 2021-22. He also contributed two goals and 11 assists.
“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 Philadelphia’s general manager Chuck Fletcher. “He is committed to being a Flyer and brings a consistent physical presence to our team.”
Rasmus Ristolainen previously played eight seasons in NHL with the Sabres. He made 542 appearances on ice for Buffalo during that time, scoring 46 goals and adding 199 assists for 245 points. Ristolainen started his professional career in native Finland with TPS.
