Red Wings: An Early Look at Free Agents Detroit could Target

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 02: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames can't get a third period shot past Jimmy Howard #35 of the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on January 02, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Calgary won the game 4-3. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 02: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames can't get a third period shot past Jimmy Howard #35 of the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena on January 02, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. Calgary won the game 4-3. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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Rasmus Ristolainen

2021-22 Contract: $5,400,000

Age: 26

Position: RD

GP: 49

G: 4

A: 14

PTS: 18

Rasmus Ristolainen was Buffalo’s 1st round draft pick, 8th overall in 2013.  He has played his entire eight year NHL career playing in the Buffalo organization. Ristolainen was an alternate captain with Buffalo last season.  Ristolainen will play for Philadelphia before becoming an UFA next summer.

In 542 career regular season games, Ristolainen has scored 245 points.  Ristolainen has yet to play in an NHL playoff game.

Prediction: 5 years with an average annual cap hit of $7,000,000