RASMUS RISTOLAINEN - Defenseman - 24 - $5.4MM Cap Hit - UFA in 2022-2023
LAST UPDATED 6/28/19
Miscast as a #1 defenseman for a long time, Ristolainen has been a polarizing player for most of his career. He shows flashes of brilliance, and at times looks like the #1 defenseman Buffalo has for a long time seen him as. He has genuine shutdown ability, and paired with his heavy shot and great size, he looks the part of a #1 defenseman. But sometimes he overthinks the game and can have issues with consistency in his own end, and he generally is still too raw of a product to be considered a true #1, but that didn't deter coaches, essentially ruining his reputation among frustrated Buffalo fans. Ristolainen is most definitely not a #1 defenseman, but he still can be, if he can learn to simplify his game and better utilize his strengths. As of right now, though, he's a very good #2 defenseman, capable of anchoring a second pair.
Miscast as a #1 defenseman for a long time, Ristolainen has been a polarizing player for most of his career. He shows flashes of brilliance, and at times looks like the #1 defenseman Buffalo has for a long time seen him as. He has genuine shutdown ability, and paired with his heavy shot and great size, he looks the part of a #1 defenseman. But sometimes he overthinks the game and can have issues with consistency in his own end, and he generally is still too raw of a product to be considered a true #1, but that didn't deter coaches, essentially ruining his reputation among frustrated Buffalo fans. Ristolainen is most definitely not a #1 defenseman, but he still can be, if he can learn to simplify his game and better utilize his strengths. As of right now, though, he's a very good #2 defenseman, capable of anchoring a second pair.
Services |
Company |
|