VOORHEES, N.J. – No question the Flyers missed the physical presence of defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen last season.
The 29-year-old Finn played in only 31 games after tearing a triceps tendon which required one in-season and one post-season surgical procedure.
The second operation was performed on April 18 right after the season ended. Surgeon Dr. Keith Meister did the honors at the TMI Sports Medicine Institute in Arlington, Texas.
Having Ristolainen back in the lineup for the 2024-25 campaign can only enhance the Flyers’ chances of ending their four-year playoff drought.
He provides so much, including clearing the crease and working the corners.
“I’m healthy at this point,” he said after Wednesday’s practice at the Flyers Training Center. “It hasn’t happened the last couple years so it feels good. Obviously I paid a lot of attention to recovery and be available throughout the camp.”
The 6-foot-4, 208-pound player has even put the puck in the net a couple times in preseason games.
“I had a long, good offseason,” said Ristolainen. “I feel pretty good right now.”
Ristolainen said he managed to stay in shape and work on his lower body after the second triceps operation.
“My only personal goal is to stay healthy,” said Ristolainen, who’s been banged up the past few seasons. “Play as many games as possible. Just help the team get to the playoffs.”
Speaking of playoff games, Ristolainen has never played in one. He’s been on the postseason sidelines for eight years with the Buffalo Sabres and three with the Flyers.
“I think this group showed some good signs last year,” said Ristolainen, noting the Flyers’ near miss at a postseason berth. “Unfortunately I couldn’t be there to help the guys. I really believe in the guys in the room. I think we can do it (this year) for sure.”
There appears to be a good competition for jobs on the Flyers’ defense this year. Jamie Drysdale is healthy and so is Ristolainen.
“For sure,” said Ristolainen. “We can play all kinds of positions out there. We can all play offensive game, defensive game. We can all kill penalties, play the power play. I think it’s a pretty good group out there.”
>Foerster out but OK
Tyson Foerster did not practice on Wednesday after blocking a shot in Tuesday night’s game. Coach John Tortorella said the absence was just a precautionary move. He should be a fine in a day or so.
>Coach likes the camp
Tortorella said he’s fairly satisfied with this training camp and preseason schedule.
“I like where the level has been,” he said. “I like where the camp has gone to. Does it affect exhibition games? Absolutely. That’s the give-and-take, at least for this coaching staff.”
>Short shots
The Flyers finish their preseason on Thursday night with a home game against the New Jersey Devils. . .Tortorella on goalie Sam Ersson’s performance in Tuesday night’s 4-1 loss at the Island. Two of the winner’s goals came with the net empty. Tortorella: “I’m very confident in Sam’s readiness. How he’s going to get ready for the season. The new road is it’s going to be a new spot for him, being the No. 1 (with Carter Hart gone). Do I know how that road is going to be? I have no clue. Because he hasn’t experienced it before.”
