“Rasmus has continued to progress, and saw his first NHL action last season before getting hurt,” said Francis. “He is a big man and gives us depth along the blueline.”

Rissanen, 23, split the 2014-15 season between Charlotte (AHL) and Carolina, appearing in six games on the NHL level. The Kuopio, Finland, native totaled a career-high 11 points (1g, 10a) and 62 penalty minutes in 52 games for the Checkers prior to receiving his first NHL recall on March 2. He made his NHL debut against the Minnesota Wild on March 6, but exited the Hurricanes’ game at Columbus on March 15, missing the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

Selected by Carolina in the sixth round, 178th overall, in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, Rissanen has appeared in 240 career AHL games with Charlotte, totaling 36 points (7g, 29a). He ranks second all-time in games played by a Checkers defenseman. RIssanen has represented Finland in several international competitions, including the 2008 U-18 World Junior Championship and the 2011 World Junior Championship.