The Buffalo Sabres’ negotiation with defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen was pleasantly, and surprisingly, amicable.

They let him work with the team in the preseason without a contact, and he took the option. The talks were productive, even if a deal hadn’t been struck. “If the talks ever break down and one side gets pissed off or doesn’t think their being treated fairly or negotiations aren’t going in the right direction that you have to worry, we’re certainly not at that place yet nor do I expect to be,” said GM Tim Murray on Sept. 30.

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On the eve of the regular season’s start, their talks have produced a new deal for the 21-year-old restricted free agent: six years with an average annual value of $5.4 million against the cap.

“Rasmus has already proven to be a pivotal player on our blue line and we are eager to have him back with the team,” Murray said. “This deal is a reflection of the hard work and improvement Rasmus has shown since being drafted and we hope to see him continue on this trajectory moving forward.”

Ristolainen had 41 points in 82 games last season, and finished 10th in the NHL with an average ice time of 25:16. He was ninth among defensemen in shots on goal with 202. He’s on track as far as being an offensive force; but with a 48.89 adjusted Corsi rating, the Sabres undoubtedly want a more well-rounded game. A six-year commitment indicates they think he can get there.

The money is basically what Seth Jones earned in his deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets, as a defenseman of the same age, and slightly more than the $5 million AAV of Morgan Rielly.

We tend to judge these things based on what the salary cap hit looks like once a young defenseman fulfills his potential, and to that end Murray could end up looking really, really smart here. (Well, as smart as he usually looks, as the man does wear glasses.) But at this moment, based on their individual games and their influences on play, Ristolainen getting Seth Jones money is a win for Ristolainen.

Now, what does this mean for RFA Hampus Lindholm with the Anaheim Ducks? His agent can argue he’s a demonstrably better defenseman than Ristolainen. Does he find a happy medium between Aaron Ekblad ($7,500,000) and this contract?

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Greg Wyshynski is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Contact him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter. His book, TAKE YOUR EYE OFF THE PUCK, is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

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