Ristolainen was granted permission to practice with the team Thursday despite not having signed his qualifying offer, Bill Hoppe of the Times Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ristolainen is currently a restricted free agent after the Sabres gave him a qualifying offer following the end of his entry-level deal, which he has yet to sign. With 41 points last season, the 21-year-old was Buffalo's most productive blueliner and was fourth highest 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.