Sabres' Rasmus Ristolainen: Practicing without contract

Ristolainen was granted permission to practice with the team Thursday even though he has yet to sign a contract extension, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports.

Analysis:

Ristolainen is currently a restricted free agent after the Sabres gave him a qualifying offer following the end of his entry-level deal. Without a new contract, Ristolainen is currently not insured, but his return to practice offers some encouragement that a deal will get done. Ristolainen is susceptible to an offer sheet, but the Sabres will likely match any offer. With 41 points last season, the 21-year-old was Buffalo's most productive blueliner and finished fourth on the team in points. The defenseman's contributions on the ice, including his four goals and 17 helpers with the man advantage, make him a top-end fantasy option, but owners will want to monitor his contract situation closely, especially if it carries into the start of the season.