‘Ristolainen played for six different head coaches in Buffalo — Ron Rolston, Ted Nolan, Dan Bylsma, Phil Housley, Ralph Krueger, and Don Granato — and four different general managers — Darcy Regier, Tim Murray, Jason Botterill, and Kevyn Adams. Although his experience in Buffalo lacked stability at the top and any degree of success, Ristolainen still found value in toiling at the bottom of the league standings. “I kinda enjoy going through the hard way,” Ristolainen said. “Learn about winning, how hard it is. In this league, you don’t get anything free. You need to earn. Probably wish it didn’t last for that long, but I don’t really regret anything.”’