Ristolainen was suspended three games Thursday for his interference play on Jake Guentzel.

EDGE Analysis

The league apparently determined that Ristolainen's hit on Guentzel was malicious enough to warrant the Buffalo defenseman to miss three games, or essentially four considering he played just 3:04 of Tuesday's contest before being assessed a game misconduct. Barring a successful appeal, the Finnish blueliner will have just five games left to play upon his return before the season comes to a close.

Ristolainen is scheduled to have a hearing with the league Thursday for his questionable hit on Pittsburgh's Jake Guentzel on Tuesday, per the NHL Department of Player Safety.

EDGE Analysis

Reactions to Ristolainen's ejection were mixed following the game, with some insisting the blueliner was already in the process of completing the check while others went as far to call it a dirty play. The 22-year-old is not a repeat offender; however, Guentzel did suffer a concussion, both of which will factor into the Department of Player Safety's decision.

Ristolainen was kicked out of Tuesday game against the Penguins for a "hit on an unsuspecting player," in this case a hit that gave Jake Guentzel a concussion, one that will likely cause the Pittsburgh forward to miss some time, The Buffalo News reports.

EDGE Analysis

The league's Department of Player Safety will likely want to have a word with the star defenseman. Ristolainen isn't known as a dirty player and claims he thought a puck that never made it through traffic was going to land on Guentzel's stick, thereby making him fair game. We'll see what the league has to say about it, but owners in weekly leagues may be playing short-handed for the scoring period.

Ristolainen picked up an assist on the power play and he added two blocked shots in Monday's 2-1 win against the Red Wings.

EDGE Analysis

Ristolainen struggled on the team's west coast wing, going 0-for-California, but he still has four power-play helpers over his past nine outings. He has been a little bit erratic March on the offensive end, but he remains a constant source of blocked shots. Ristolainen has stepped in front of 156 shots to rank inside the Top 10 in the NHL.

Ristolainen had quite the odd stat line in Tuesday's 6-3 loss to the Flyers, recording a power-play assist, seven hits, and four blocked shots against a minus-5 rating.

EDGE Analysis

That was the worst single-game plus-minus output for Ristolainen, who seemed to be playing with reckless abandon. Still, it's nice to know that the Finn still managed the special-teams helper with copious defensive totals. Risto has 40 points (four goals, 36 assists) in 67 games this season and is just one goal or assist shy of tying his career high of 41 points. This guy just gets better every year, and it's crazy to think that he's already putting up these gaudy numbers at the age of 22.

Ristolainen picked up his 100th career point in Saturday's 3-2 win against the Blues.

EDGE Analysis

Ristolainen hit the milestone with a power-play assist, and he added three blocked shots with two hits. He has picked up helpers in each of his past four games. Ristolainen remains a top fantasy defenseman for his offense, blocked shots (134) and hits (151).

Ristolainen racked up five blocked shots in Monday's 2-1 road loss to the Devils.

EDGE Analysis

Risto only has a pair of assists for his only points in the past 10 games, though he's managed 25 hits and 32 blocked shots over that span. We're talking about one of the most complete blueliners the game has to offer, so it would be wise to ride out the offensive storm knowing that Ristolainen is capable of exploding on short notice. Already, he has six multi-point efforts in 2016-17.

Head coach Dan Bylsma said Ristolainen's hard work is paying off and hinted that he could increase his ice time, WGR 550 reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ristolainen has 28 points in 46 games this season, averaging close to 27 minutes per game and his peripherals have been outstanding: 103 shots on goal, 121 hits and 102 blocked shots. The undisputed franchise defenseman in Buffalo, Ristolainen is just 22 years old and scratching the surface of what he can do. Despite Bylsma's promises before the season to decrease Ristolainen's ice time and lessen the weight on his shoulders, a slew of injuries to the team's veteran defensemen has forced Bylsma to go back on his promise, and not only has Ristolainen managed to handle the increased responsibilities, he's exceeded all expectations. He's a stud defenseman who has top-20 value in most fantasy formats.

Ristolainen registered an assist, three shots on goal, six blocked shots, three hits and a plus-1 rating during Friday's overtime win against Detroit.

EDGE Analysis

Ristolainen snapped a four-game point drought with the helper, and he also continued his multi-category onslaught while logging a gigantic 35:24 of ice with 3:34 on the power play. He isn't the most consistent offensive producer, but Ristolainen moves the needle in all stat columns, which is a rarity among defenseman who also pad the points column. Additionally, at just 22, we could be looking at an elite fantasy asset sooner than later, so don't be shy to pay the toll in dynasty/keeper leagues.

Ristolainen has three goals, 17 points, 39 shots and 39 blocked shots while averaging 27:35 of ice (3:50 with the man advantage) through his past 18 games.

EDGE Analysis

The offensive production and peripheral contributions are high-end marks, so with his huge minutes, Ristolainen is building on last season's breakout nicely. The 21-year-old defenseman might still be flying under the radar because Buffalo isn't a contender, but he's producing excellent fantasy results. Additionally, he's currently presenting nice value in daily contests.