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Vancouver Canucks: 5 Low-Profile RFAs Vancouver Could Target

By Janik Beichler

Dec 30, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Fredrik Claesson (49 skates with the puck in the third period against the New Jersey Devils at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Devils defeated the Senators 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2015; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman Fredrik Claesson (49 skates with the puck in the third period against the New Jersey Devils at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Devils defeated the Senators 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 14, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen Rasmus Rissanen (62) skates against the Florida Panthers at PNC Arena. The Florida Panthers defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

D Rasmus Rissanen

The Carolina Hurricanes own the rights to another European defenceman, Rasmus Rissanen. The 6-foot-3, 217-pound Finn was drafted by Carolina 178th overall (sixth round) in the 2009 NHL Draft. Since 2011, he played in 294 AHL and six NHL games.

Rissanen is not a big point producer either. He isn’t and he never was. However, the 24-year-old is a solid defensive defenceman who plays a gritty game and is responsible in his own zone.

In March 2015, Rissanen got a first chance to play at the NHL level and it looked like he might stick around for a while. Unfortunately, a sprained MCL meant the end of his NHL career for now. The Hurricanes returned Rissanen to their AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, and the defenceman has been waiting for a second chance ever since. He was called up in late October this season, but was demoted again without playing a game.

Like Fredrik Claesson, Rissanen projects to be a strong defensive defenceman for the top six. Skating used to be his biggest issue but he was able to improve on that during his time in the minors.

From Elite Prospects:

"Rissanen is a defensive defenseman with solid size and a good physical game. Plays with grit and emotion, and won’t back down from anyone. With that, some penalty trouble can follow. Owns a good shot and a decent outlet pass. Could improve his skating skills. – Ulf Andersson, EP (2011)"

Next: W Brett Bulmer

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