Sabres ink first-round pick Ristolainen
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Buffalo Sabres signed their first-round draft pick Friday, defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen, to a three-year, entry-level contract.
The 19-year-old was taken with the eighth overall selection this year. He's the Sabres' highest first-round selection since the team selected forward Thomas Vanek fifth overall in 2003.
During the 2012-13 season, he played for TPS in his native Finland and had three goals and 12 assists in 52 games.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}"We felt that it was important to get Rasmus under contract quickly so that we could start the development process right away," Sabres general manager Darcy Regier said. "He's a very mature defenseman for his age and will have every chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp."