The deal sent first- and second-round picks, along with defenseman Robert Hagg, to Buffalo. Less than a year later, Ristolainen agreed to a five-year contract extension worth an average of $5.1 million annually. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2027.

Approximately every two years Ristolainen had a new boss, from Ted Nolan to Dan Bylsma to Phil Housley to Ralph Krueger to Don Granato. Being healthy this season after last season’s significant time on the shelf has aided Ristolainen,