Rasmus Ristolainen found out on Friday he’s going to be playing in his first Olympics next month.
But the Flyers defenseman is a realist. At 31, he realizes this could be his first and his last.
Which is why he wants to make the most of this opportunity at Milano Cortina, Italy when the world’s best hit the ice.
“Very special,” he said of the appointment during a media Zoom call. “Missed the last one because the NHL didn’t go and now you never know what’s going to happen in four years.
“So this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So very excited.”
A native of Turku, Finland, Ristolainen has played in 242 games for the Flyers, with 10 goals/61 points. For his career, the 6-foot-4, 208-pound player has accumulated 784 games, 56 goals/306 points.
Ristolainen, 31, was acquired from the Buffalo Sabres on July 23, 2021. The trade sent defenseman Robert Hagg to the Sabres along with a first-round pick (13th overall) in the 2021 NHL Draft and a second-round pick in 2023.
Surgery had kept him out of the Flyers lineup from February to mid-December of last year. He has played in eight games since his return, with two assists and an even plus-minus.
There might have been some doubt if Ristolainen would be ready to play in the Olympics. But he’s already erased any concerns about his readiness.
“I really tried hard to make sure I get healthy,” Ristolainen said. “And to get some games in before that, too. So we have been going well and I feel healthy.
“It means a lot to be named.”
Paired with Nick Seeler for much of the 2024-25 season, Ristolainen was enjoying one of his best pro years prior to the injury. The pairing was often used in key defensive situations.
In his eight games back, Ristolainen looks like his old self. His physical play can bring fans out of their seats and he shows no signs of letting up in that department.
He was injured for the 4-Nations Face-off Tournament in February so this Olympic appearance will help make up for any regrets.
“Injuries happen when you play a long time,” he said. “You can’t do anything about that. I was excited about 4-Nations and ended up watching it on TV. It looked pretty fun and exciting. It kind of felt bad that I couldn’t make the team.
“I’ve been working my butt off for nine months trying to get healthy and then getting in some games.”
Ristolainen believes his style fits in well with the intense Olympic tournament, especially his physical play.
“(The Olympics) are kind of like (Stanley Cup) playoff games, almost,” he said. “One winner takes it all type thing. That kind of makes it for me.”
Finland should be considered a threat for a medal. Just about everyone has their eyes on teams like Canada, the U.S. and Sweden, but Finland is a legitimate dark horse candidate for a medal.
“A very good team,” Ristolainen said. “We have a lot of good players. Finland always has a chance and now, hopefully, we’re going there to take it all home.”
Ristolainen likes the Flyers’ chances the rest of the season.
“When we get back, that time of year, the games get even harder,” he said. “A lot to play for. The games have a lot of speed, playoff-like hockey. Coming back, feeling pretty good about myself. Getting into the playoffs with the Flyers a big goal for myself.”
>Ersson left off Sweden’s roster
There was speculation that Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson might be named to Team Sweden’s roster but that did not happen. Ersson has experienced a sub-par season so far with Philadelphia.
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