2016 NHL Free Agency: Top 10 restricted free agents

Apr 19, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck defended by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey (27) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Tampa won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Rasmus Ristolainen

The Buffalo Sabres will be more than happy to do whatever it takes to re-sign their top young defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen. Ristolainen improved immensely in many facets of his game. He became a force on offense with 41 points in 82 games and has all the making of being an effective power play quarterback.

More importantly, his defense improved astronomically. He went from being a horrible possession player (-3.64 percent even strength Corsi For percentage in 2014-15) to being close to breaking even on a bad possession team (-0.97 percent in 2015-16). Considering the tough minutes that he played and that he still hasn’t found a worthy first pairing partner, that’s outstanding.

He still needs to improve defensively, but the 2015-16 season was exactly what Ristolainen needed to ensure that he’ll get a nice pay raise. Buffalo will most likely go long-term with him since going short-term makes no sense for a rebuilding team. His price will only go up as he continues to improve.

Why not lock him up now? He should sign a five to six-year deal, but eight isn’t out of the question because the Sabres sure love him. Since Morgan Rielly recently got $5 million a season, Ristolainen should get at least $5.5 million per season should he sign long-term.

Next: 9. Nathan MacKinnon

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