Nashville, Tenn. (March 23, 2012) – Nashville Predators President of Hockey Operations/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed 2010 draft pick Joonas Rask (YOH-nuhs RASK) to a two-year entry-level contract.
Rask, 21 (3/24/90), recently completed his fourth season with Ilves of the Finnish League (SM-Liiga), posting 15 points (4g-11a) in 29 games. In 156 SM-Liiga games since 2008, the 5-10, 176-pound center has 62 points (29g-33a) and 70 penalty minutes. Rask represented Finland at both the 2009 and 2010 World Junior Championships, and captained his homeland’s club at the 2008 Under-18 World Championships, being named one of team’s three best players.
The Savonlinna, Finland native was Nashville’s seventh choice, 198th overall (seventh round), in 2010 Entry Draft, and is the younger brother of Boston Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask.