Flyers Resign Rasmus Ristolainen to 5-Year, $25.5 Million Extension
Rasmus Ristolainen is not going anywhere. The Flyers have announced that they have inked their defenseman to a 5-Year, $25.5 Million Extension.
OFFICIAL: We have re-signed defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen to a five-year contract extension worth an average annual value (AAV) of $5.1M. https://t.co/vDsdVqZtQk
— Philadelphia Flyers (@NHLFlyers) March 10, 2022
Ristolainen is currently in his first year with the Flyers. They acquired him this offseason in a trade with the Buffalo Sabres. The acquisition cost them the no. 14 pick, Robert Haag, and a 2023 2nd round pick. In his first season in Philly he has so far scored 13 pts (2 goals, 11 assists) in 49 games. His average 21:22 of ice time is the 3rd most on the team. His 177 hits not only leads the team, but is 8th among all NHL Players.
He commented on being happy to stay in Philadelphia after signing the new deal.
“I’m very happy and I really wanted to stay. It’s a great feeling to have it done before the deadline. I love this city. Love the fans. I love my teammates and I want to be here when we turn it around next year.”
And this is what Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher had to say about the deal.
“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. He is committed to being a Flyer, and brings a consistent physical presence to our team.”
A month ago, Interim Coach Mike Yeo spoke about wanting to keep him around, and what he brings to the Flyers.
“I think he’s playing really good hockey for us. He’s a warrior, he shows up to play night after night and, to me, that is what I think of the Flyers being and what I want the Flyers to be and I think what we all expect the Flyers to be. For me, I know that he loves being here and we love having him.”
They Flyers are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference with just 46 pts. This deal lets them keep in place their enforcer on defense. It will give him time to hopefully stick around long enough for the Flyers to fix their team, and get back to winning.
