With the 8th overall selection in the 2013 NHL Draft, the Buffalo Sabres have selected defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen.
Ristolainen is a big, right-handed defenseman who stands 6’4”, 223 lbs. He’s played in Finland’s Elite League for two years, and could be able to step in to the lineup as early as next year. He’s got a great shot, and plays a very physical game to go along with his giant frame.
He’s also got a very good hockey sense and thinks the game far beyond his 18-year old brain should be able to. He models his game after Chris Pronger, and was ranked #4 among European Skaters by ISS.
Here’s what Hockey’s Future had to say about him:
Rasmus Ristolainen has the size, skating ability and shooting and stick handling skills that make him an outstanding offensive defenseman prospect. Plays with a physical component to his game and has become more disciplined as he’s gained more experience. Still developing in terms of positional play and defensive responsibilities – his calling card is his willingness to be involved in the play and to push the envelope at times.