I know we have another thread for him also, but as he's finnish, he definitely needs an official thread
Rasmus Ristolainen A big all around defenseman eligible for the 2013 NHL Entry draft. Made his debut with TPS last year as the 4th youngest player ever in the SM-Liiga history and has now trained the summer with mens team.
I was fortunate enough to see the guy play today in Pitsiturnaus (pre season tournament) and here are my thoughts (so far, just one game played):
Listed in Eliteprospects as 6'2, but looked to be around 6'3. Technically a very good skater with good ability to direction changes and backwards skating. Not the fastest guy around but IMO that is because of lack of muscle and should be fixed as he gets older. Only got a few minutes of ice time in the 1st period, but used it well and was able to get a shot on goal. Is sound defensively and and tough as they come. He seems to know when it's wise to use poke check and when to use his body to make the play.It was showcased in an excellent play in the beginning of the 2nd period. Rasmus was in a 1 on 1 situation in which he was skating backwards. He knocked the puck loose with his stick while staying well in position. As the puck then was with other opposing player along the boards seconds later, Rasmus went in and standing still basically threw/hit the guy off the puck (cleanly). This play got him confidence and playing time from that point onwards. Played very much in the 2nd period. (Only two periods played in these games)
He was mainly used in 5 v 5 situations and the PK, but still was able to create offense. Was very poised with the puck for a 16 yo in mens game. Good opening pass. Seemed to have very good wrister and heavy slapper also. Very tough like i said, didn't back down from anyone. Can apparently also drop the gloves if needed and defend his teammates.
He didn't seem have any real weaknesses. Could be more careful in his own end, but i quess that's the cost of looking for revenge and big hits sometimes. A very positive showing overall though. One of the best out there IMO. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets roster spot in weak TPS team this season.
I know we have another thread for him also, but as he's finnish, he definitely needs an official thread
Rasmus Ristolainen A big all around defenseman eligible for the 2013 NHL Entry draft. Made his debut with TPS last year as the 4th youngest player ever in the SM-Liiga history and has now trained the summer with mens team.
I was fortunate enough to see the guy play today in Pitsiturnaus (pre season tournament) and here are my thoughts (so far, just one game played):
Listed in Eliteprospects as 6'2, but looked to be around 6'3. Technically a very good skater with good ability to direction changes and backwards skating. Not the fastest guy around but IMO that is because of lack of muscle and should be fixed as he gets older. Only got a few minutes of ice time in the 1st period, but used it well and was able to get a shot on goal. Is sound defensively and and tough as they come. He seems to know when it's wise to use poke check and when to use his body to make the play.It was showcased in an excellent play in the beginning of the 2nd period. Rasmus was in a 1 on 1 situation in which he was skating backwards. He knocked the puck loose with his stick while staying well in position. As the puck then was with other opposing player along the boards seconds later, Rasmus went in and standing still basically threw/hit the guy off the puck (cleanly). This play got him confidence and playing time from that point onwards. Played very much in the 2nd period. (Only two periods played in these games)
He was mainly used in 5 v 5 situations and the PK, but still was able to create offense. Was very poised with the puck for a 16 yo in mens game. Good opening pass. Seemed to have very good wrister and heavy slapper also. Very tough like i said, didn't back down from anyone. Can apparently also drop the gloves if needed and defend his teammates.
He didn't seem have any real weaknesses. Could be more careful in his own end, but i quess that's the cost of looking for revenge and big hits sometimes. A very positive showing overall though. One of the best out there IMO. I wouldn't be surprised if he gets roster spot in weak TPS team this season.
I'll edit the OP after the 2nd game.
How you see his chances to crack into playing roster when regular season starts? It would be crazy because he is for 2013 draft and could have 2 full season with grown up mens before the draft, similar to Adam Larsson. Skating has always been Ristolainen strengths it's so smooth.
How you see his chances to crack into playing roster when regular season starts? It would be crazy because he is for 2013 draft and could have 2 full season with grown up mens before the draft, similar to Adam Larsson. Skating has always been Ristolainen strengths it's so smooth.
I have to see more of him to say that, really.
O well. Based only on that pre season game, i'd give him a chance in the beginning of the season and if he performs well enough i'd let him stick around. He certainly has all the talent, but i'm not sure if it's enough yet when the games get tougher and real. It's not like TPS is loaded with all star talent anyways so why not.
Overall pretty good game from him again. Now i can see why people say he might not be reliable defensively though. He had a few awkward moment in his own zone and he wasn't able to hit or use his physique as well s he did in the first game.
He got some PP time and was solid. Looked a bit nervous this time around (only a few times). Could have been more creative and use his head more instead of just shooting the puck from the point.(shots didn't hit the net/were blocked).
Scored a beauuuuutiful game winning goal in the shootout. Looked to have silky smooth hands.
He was still one of the better TPS defensemen out there. Solid performance.
BTW he still has at least one game left in the tournament so i'll post my opinions about his performance here.
These aren't the best games to scout because they're the first ones being played with new equipment so thats a bummer. But still all valuable information, our 2013 1st rounder if Olli is sure thing this year. Keep the streak up
These aren't the best games to scout because they're the first ones being played with new equipment so thats a bummer. But still all valuable information, our 2013 1st rounder if Olli is sure thing this year. Keep the streak up
For 2013 There's also Barkov, who seems like a 1st rounder too at this point.
I really hope the Oilers draft this guy in 2013 and move him up to forward. After they draft Zemgus Girgensons this year, they'd be able to ice a 2nd line of:
Paajarvi - Girgensons - Ristolainen or more importantly the
"Magnus - Zemgus - Rasmus" line all for the purpose of having the coolest names on one line in all of hockey (at least on this side of the ocean).
OT: Did anyone else notice that Santtu Huhtala(first shooter) looked taller than 174 cm / 5'9" what eliteprospects tell us? He is very good prospect if he has grown close to 180cm.
Another 2013 eligible prospect, defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, also proved to be not just one of Finland’s top performers but also one of the Hlinka tournaments top defenders, the six-foot-three blue liner was a force for the Fins as he used his size and mobility to play a physical game in his own zone as well as showing off some offensive skill and instinct as he contributed on the score sheet as well.
How does he compare to Maatta and Pokka? More upside?
Ristolainen is bigger than both and his skating is smooth, he can turn the game fast when he got the puck. Good at rushing puck in and has no major weaknesses, I think that määttä is a player with less weaknesses but ristolainen has more upside. Ristolainen reminds me from Suter, how he plays. Solid game at both zone and nice puck skills however he has some problems at defensive zone at times but he's solid all-around. He has ok chances to crack into FEL roster this year, if he does he has 2 seasons with men under his belt before the draft. ATM he's definetly in the first round, but anything can happen in 2 years. Hard to say whos better prospect Määttä or Ristolainen because i like Määttä alot, he's physical, smart and very solid both end's needs to get his skating bit better. But Määttä's best attribute is definetly how he retains his high level of play from game to the other. The difference of his bad game and good game isn't so big. Ristolainen's skills is hard to ignore tho.
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