Sabres' Rasmus Ristolainen: Earns qualifying offer

Ristolainen was extended a qualifying offer by the Sabres on Monday.

Analysis:

It shouldn't come as a surprise that the Sabres made this offer, as they will likely do all in their power to re-sign the 21-year-old blueliner. A restricted free agent, Ristolainen will likely require a significant pay bump following a breakout 2015-16 campaign in which he notched 41 points (nine goals, 32 assists), 202 shots on goal, 139 hits and 137 blocked shots. The team will retain his right past the July 1 deadline for qualifying offers at a minimum, but it wouldn't be surprising if Buffalo looks to ink Ristolainen to a multi-year contract extension.