Ristolainen recorded two assists -- one on the power play -- during Tuesday's 3-2 win over Ottawa.

EDGE Analysis

The pair of helpers snapped a seven-game point drought for Ristolainen, and it appeared the end of his slump was a foregone conclusion after he registered 16 shots and averaged 29:58 of ice time (4:26 with the man advantage) through his past four contests. The 23-year-old defenseman is locked into a huge role and quarterbacks the No. 1 power-play unit, so it wouldn't be shocking if this now-ended slump proves to be Ristolainen's longest of the season.

Ristolainen (undisclosed) was not included on the Sabres' injury report.

EDGE Analysis

Based on the information provided by the team, it would appear Ristolainen will be back in action for Friday's clash with the Penguins. Having previously been sidelined for nine games due to a n upper-body malady, it's possible the club was just playing it safe in holding the blueliner out of practice earlier in the week. Look for the Finn to resume not only his role on Buffalo's top pairing, but also on the power play.

Ristolainen, who tool a nasty hit during Tuesday's loss to the Lightning, was spotted at Thursday's practice skating on his usual top pair, The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

We'll get confirmation before Friday's tilt against the Penguins, but it looks like Ristolainen just had the usual bumps and bruises following a big collision. He's played in three games since returning from an upper-body injury that sidelined him for nine games, registering two assists. The scoring blueliner is still looking for his first goal of the season after putting up six tallies last season.

Ristolainen (undisclosed) did not skate Tuesday morning, John Vogl of The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ristolainen took a hard hit from Braydon Coburn against the Lightning and finished the game, but was clearly in discomfort. It could be a maintenance day for the Sabres' No. 1 rearguard, but it would also just be typical Sabres luck to lose another defenseman to injury. The Sabres have a long break before facing Pittsburgh on Friday, which gives Ristolainen a chance to rest up. His status will be updated ahead of the Sabres' next game. In 16 games this season, Ristolainen is averaging close to 27 minutes per game with seven assists and a minus-5 rating. He is a very good young player but on an offensively-challenged team his fantasy value isn't quite where it should be relative to his talent.

Ristolainen registered two helpers in Friday's 3-1 win over the Oilers.

EDGE Analysis

Ristolainen returned from his nine-game absence and immediately made his presence felt, blocking six shots and getting five shots on net along with his two points. Now that he's back healthy, fantasy owners can feel safe slotting him in the lineup on a nightly basis.

Ristolainen (upper body) will return for Friday's game against the Oilers, the Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

This return couldn't come soon enough for the Sabres. Ristolainen is Buffalo's best defenseman, and he plays a ton of minutes. Before he was injured, he was averaging 27:10 per game in ice time.

Ristolainen (upper body) feels ready to play and hopes to return to the lineup later in the week, Bill Hoppe of the Olean Times Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The former first-round pick was given a week-to-week timetable by the team Monday, but apparently he feels better after skating in a few practice sessions. Based off what the Sabres said Monday and the fact that they see Ristolainen as their No. 1 blueliner for years to come, Saturday in Montreal is likely the earliest you'll see him in the lineup.

Ristolainen (upper body) is skating, but he's still considered week-to-week.

EDGE Analysis

Ristolainen has played a ton of minutes the last three seasons, and he is also a key cog on the power play. The Sabres could really use him back, but it seems they are going to have to get by without Ristolainen for a little while longer.

Ristolainen (upper body) is on the injured reserve list, per the NHL's official media site.

EDGE Analysis

Ristolainen's transition to IR likely doesn't change his week-to-week timetable, but rather affords the Sabres some flexibility with their roster while their top defenseman recovers. Marco Scandella is in line to see expanded ice time on the top defensive pairing while Ristolainen remains sidelined.

Coach Phil Housley indicated Thursday that Ristolainen (upper body) is considered week-to-week, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ristolainen has been ruled out for each of the team's last two contests because of the upper-body issue, but now it appears that's only the beginning for the blueliner. His timetable looks open-ended at this point, with a more definitive return date likely being established when he begins participating in practice again. the Sabres will be devoid of some offensive firepower among the defensive ranks in his absence that's unlikely to be replaced by anybody subbing in for him.