RALEIGH, NC – Jason Karmanos, Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has agreed to terms with defenseman Rasmus Rissanen (RAS-mus RIH-sa-nehn) on a three-year, entry-level contract. Beginning with the 2011-12 season, the contract will pay Rissanen $525,000 per season at the NHL level or $55,000 per season at the minor-league level. Rissanen receives a $150,000 signing bonus as a part of the contract.

“Rasmus is a big, physical defenseman who skates very well and plays a consistently reliable game,” said Karmanos. “With his physical tools, work ethic and aggressive play, he projects as a shutdown defenseman.”

Rissanen, 19, completed his second season with Everett of the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2010-11, totaling 12 points (1g, 11a) and 89 penalty minutes in 68 games. The Kuopio, Finland, native shared the Silvertips team lead in goal scoring during the WHL playoffs, netting a pair of goals during Everett’s first-round loss to Portland. In two seasons of junior hockey with Everett, Rissanen (6’2”, 202 lbs.) totaled five goals, 22 assists (27 points) and 192 penalty minutes in 139 games played.

In addition to his time with Everett, Rissanen has gained experience in international play, most recently representing his home country of Finland at the 2011 World Junior Championship. He also played for Finland at the 2008 U-18 World Championship, helping the Finns upset Canada to win the bronze medal.