Sabres' Rasmus Ristolainen: Doubtful regarding new contract

Ristolainen told reporters he does not expect to re-sign with Buffalo prior to the World Cup of Hockey, Sami Hoffren of Finland's Urheilusanomat reports.

Analysis:

Ristolainen is a restricted free agent and was issued a qualifying offer by the Sabres that he has yet to sign. The 21-year-old is a core piece of the youth movement in Buffalo and an anchor on the Sabres blue line. During the 2015-16 season, the defender averaged over 25 minutes per game of ice time, including 3:08 on the power play and 2:38 shorthanded. Fantasy owners will want to seriously consider picking up Ristolainen for the 2016-17 campaign as he has the potential to exceed his career high 41 points from last year.