Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen signed a five-year, $25.5 million contract on Thursday.
Ristolainen, 27, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. His new deal represents a slight decrease from the $5.4 million he received per season after signing a six-year, $32.4 million contract prior to the 2016-17 campaign.
“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,” Flyers general manager Chuck Fletcher said. “He is committed to being a Flyer, and brings a consistent physical presence to our team.”
Ristolainen has recorded 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) in 49 games this season, his first with the Flyers.
“I’m very happy and I really wanted to stay. It’s a great feeling to have it done before the deadline,” Ristolainen said. “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.”
He has 258 points (48 goals, 210 assists) in 591 career games with the Buffalo Sabres and Flyers. He was selected by the Sabres with the eighth overall pick of the 2013 NHL Draft.
Buffalo traded him in July 2021 to Philadelphia for Robert Hagg, a first-round pick in the 2021 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in 2023.
–Field Level Media