Rasmus Rissanen

History

2007-08: Rasmus Rissanen appeared in five games for KalPa at A juniors and represented Finland at the WJC U-18 tournament. In six games with Team Finland, he had 2 assists with 18 PIM.

2008-09: In a season split between his duties with KalPa’s A junior squad and Finland’s U-18 team, Rissanen established himself as one of the more physical young defensemen in Finland. Rissanen and KalPa teammate Ville Hyvarinen brought size and strength to a mostly undersized yet highly talented defense corps for the squad that upset Canada in the Bronze medal game at the U-18 World Championship tournament. In 29 games with KalPa, he scored 1 goal with 8 assists and racked up 56 PIM. Was scoreless in 6 games with Team Finland but his toughness caught the attention of CHL scouts. He was selected by the Everett Silvertips in the First Round (17th overall) of the CHL Import Draft.

2009-10: Left Finland to play in the WHL and enjoyed a solid first season with Everett, a team that allowed the fewest goals in the WHL (175) during the regular season. He scored 4 goals, all on the power play, with 11 assists and was +18 in 71 regular season games while accumulating 103 PIM. Appeared in all seven games of Everett's first round playoff loss to Kelowna, recording 1 assist with 8 PIM and finishing -4.

2010-11 – Rissanen made his pro debut with Charlotte (AHL) after completing his second season in the WHL with Everett. Rissanen was +1 with three shots on goal in his only appearance for Charlotte and was with the team during their playoff run but did not see any action. In 68 games with Everett, Rissanen led the Silvertips with 89 PMs and was -17 while scoring 1 goal with 11 assists. He scored a pair of goals, one on the power play, and was -4 with 8 PMs in the Silvertips' four-game playoff loss to Portland before joining the Checkers. Rissanen also represented Finland in the 2011 World Junior U-20 championship. He was scoreless and +1 with 14 PMs in six games at the tournament.

2011-12: Signed to a three-year entry-level contract in April 2011, Rissanen played for Carolina's AHL affiliate Charlotte as a 20-year-old in his first pro season. He scored 3 goals with 3 assists and was an even plus/minus with 57 penalty minutes. The Checkers finished third in the Midwest Division; one point out of an AHL playoff spot.

 

Talent Analysis

Rissanen is not as flashy or skilled as some of the young Finnish defensemen but has the size that many of them lack. Sometimes undisciplined, he plays with emotion and effort and doesn’t back down from anyone. He has a strong shot. Though he is more of a stay-home defender, Rissanen is capable of making a quick outlet pass and also solid as a point man on the power play. He must improve his mobility and foot speed but his size and strength are attributes that make him a legitimate prospect. While a punishing defender first, he can provide support to the offensive attack with sharp passes and hockey sense.

 

Future

Rissanen is in his second season with the AHL's Charlotte Checkers, and has one more year remaining on his ELC.