Prospect Info: Rasmus Ristolainen (2013, 8th) – '14-15: Buffalo #55 (NHL) – 2015: Graduated

[gallagt01]

This guy is the real deal. Number 1 D written all over him, he can do it all.

Edmonton drafted this Nurse guy who couldn't crack this awful Canadian defense.

He reminds me a Rob Blake for some reason.

There are a few people around these parts that would have rather had the Sabres traded up and drafted Lindholm. I'm glad they didn't.

Ristolainen is going to be one hell of a defenseman. I like the Blake comparison.

 

[L4vK]

Lindholm is doing fine, but the overall play of Risto is just too good right now.

He is going to end up the second best defensemen drafted in 12-13-14 IMO (behind Jones).

 

[tsujimoto74]

Will Buffalo look to move any of their many young assets for some quality veterans to insulate the young players?

Nope. Rebuilding. We may look to add veteran stopgaps, but we're not dealing any legitimate NHL prospects to get them. The waiver wire, UFA, and guys who could be had for late picks (5th-7th rounds) or bad prospects (ie, Riley Boychuck for Tallinder) are all viable options.

 

[couture23]

Lindholm is doing fine, but the overall play of Risto is just too good right now.

He is going to end up the second best defensemen drafted in 12-13-14 IMO (behind Jones).

Pfft, Jones-Schmones.

Don't mess with the Moose.

 

[PlamsUnlimited]

Stoked with Rasmus. He's gonna be something...

 

[toejam56]

This WJC explains why Devine had at least 2 woodies last draft.

 

[NotABadPeriod]

Didn't get a chance to watch the game today, but Rasmus was pretty "meh" against the Czechs. Then again, he was probably still fighting the flu, so he gets a pass for that. Good to see that he stepped up today though.

 

[cybresabre]

Didn't get a chance to watch the game today, but Rasmus was pretty "meh" against the Czechs. Then again, he was probably still fighting the flu, so he gets a pass for that. Good to see that he stepped up today though.

Sounds like Rasmus himself agrees

Kris Baker ‏@SabresProspects 3h
Ristolainen putting in a solid all-around effort today one day after calling Thursday's effort his "worst game in two years". #Sabres

 

[QnebO]

Rasmus Ristolainen scores GWG

Thank god your organization let him arrive.
I hope he gets tons of confidence and becomes great D for you guys. GWG in WJC final!

 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[nbarry93]

 

[ZZamboni]

I love his reaction. I hope we see him develop well and become a solid NHLer for years to come.

 

[TheMistyStranger]

I love this kid's potential. A Risto - Pysyk pairing in two years could be the steadiest in the NHL.

 

[ZeroPT*]

I love this kid's potential. A Risto - Pysyk pairing in two years could be the steadiest in the NHL.

This is what I'm hoping for.

 

[FamilyGuy716]

I love this kid's potential. A Risto - Pysyk pairing in two years could be the steadiest in the NHL.

They play on same side... both RHD

Risto will either be with Ehrhoff or Zad

 

[TheMistyStranger]

They play on same side... both RHD

Risto will either be with Ehrhoff or Zad

4 RHD. Somebody will have to switch. I think Pysyk could handle it best, but that's just my gut.

 

[B U F F A L O]

4 RHD. Somebody will have to switch. I think Pysyk could handle it best, but that's just my gut.

McCabe?

 

[ZeroPT*]

For the somewhat long term future (16-17)
Zad-Myers
Erhoff-Ristolainen
McCabe/Pysyk/McNabb all fighting it our for that bottom pair... until eventually Pysyk takes over Erhoff's spot. McCabe can fill up that 2nd Pairing in case of injuries, he'll be our Kevin Klein.

 

[FamilyGuy716]

4 RHD. Somebody will have to switch. I think Pysyk could handle it best, but that's just my gut.

Who are the 4? I only have...
Myers
Ristolainen
Pysyk

LHDs are...
Ehrhoff
Zad
McCabe
McNabb

 

[joshjull]

4 RHD. Somebody will have to switch. I think Pysyk could handle it best, but that's just my gut.

Who are the 4 RHD you are referencing? Hoff is a lefty

 

[TheMistyStranger]

Who are the 4 RHD you are referencing? Hoff is a lefty

I'm out of it. I was thinking of Ekblad for the 4th.

 

[skillhockey]

Watching the finns play last 2 games it was easy to notice how good he is with the puck and has great poise under pressure in own end. Rare talent that way.

 

[EichHart]

What a beast. Going to be so much fun watching these kids in a few years.

 

[joshjull]

I'm out of it. I was thinking of Ekblad for the 4th.

The power of positive thinking

 

[Dubi Doo]

Watching the finns play last 2 games it was easy to notice how good he is with the puck and has great poise under pressure in own end. Rare talent that way.

He does have excellent vision in his own zone, and a nice break out pass. He can lay the body and get the puck to the net as well. He needs a bit of work on his skating, though. Regardless, his potential is sky high.