Buffalo Sabres sign first-round pick defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen to entry-level deal
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The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, a first-round pick in this year's draft, to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The deal with Ristolainen, the No. 8 pick, was announced Friday night.
Ristolainen was the first of two defensemen selected by the Sabres in the first round. Russian prospect Nikita Zadorov was taken with the No. 16 choice.
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Ristolainen, a 6-foot-4, 225-pound Finnish prospect, has been participating at Buffalo's development camp and is expected to compete for a roster spot with the Sabres next season.
He had three goals, 12 assists, and 32 penalty minutes in 52 games with Finland's TPS this past season.