Flyers sign Rasmus Ristolainen to a 5-year contract extension

The Flyers announced this morning that defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen has been extended for 5 more seasons at a cap hit of $5.1 million. Ristolainen is 27 years old and this extension will carry him over into 2028.

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

In 49 games this season, Ristolainen has posted 2 goals and 11 assists for a total of 13 points. The value in his game stems from the fact that he is a right-handed physical defenseman and this league adores them.

Risto has been a divisive topic amongst the Flyers’ fanbase all season long. Some will have you believe he’s awful, while others make him out to be the next Chris Pronger.

To be quite honest, when the rumors of a 6-year, $6.3 million extension popped up ,I was on board with selling Rasmus at the trade deadline. After seeing the final result in a 5×5.1 deal, I believe this to be a fair deal for both parties and maybe even a bit of a pay cut?

The value for defenseman like Ristolainen is extremely high especially over the last few seasons. Yes he may give you a rough turnover at times, but you can’t deny his heart and play style screams Philadelphia and we have lacked that. I appreciate seeing someone clear the porch and not roll over whenever it comes time to be physical in the crease.

Ristolainen: “Going through this will all the guys… we never want to go through this ever again.”
— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) March 10, 2022

The speculation within the fanbase now is what will the Flyers do with Travis Sanheim. I’m not entirely sure this extension means Sanheim is on his way out, but a lot of people believe that to be the case. Earlier today, Ristolainen was quoted saying he could see himself playing with Travis for years.

Ristolainen (re: Sanheim): “I really enjoy playing with him. Can see us playing together for a long time.”
— Bill Meltzer (@billmeltzer) March 10, 2022

The first domino in this aggressive retool from Chuck Fletcher has fallen.