2018 NHL Draft: Buffalo Sabres select Rasmus Dahlin

Rasmus Dahlin will join Gilbert Perreault and Pierre Turgeon as the only Buffalo Sabres’ in history to be drafted with the No. 1 overall pick.

Expectations are going to be high entering the 2018 season as the Buffalo Sabres prepare to introduce their new prized possession. As noted above, Rasmus Dahlin will be joining elite Sabres’ company as this year’s top NHL draft pick, joining two greats who received the same honor.

Although it was regarded as a “boring” 2018 NHL draft for many, it is an exciting time for Sabres’ fans all over. Not only is Jack Eichel proving to be more of a franchise center as of late, but now the team has landed a franchise defenseman to help speed up the rebuilding process they are currently engaged in.

Dahlin will fit in immediately and is expected to be a major piece to Phil Housley’s defense right out of the gate. His combination of brains, hands and feet will be heavily utilized at the NHL level and fans will finally have a defenseman that is fun to watch. Not only will Dahlin keep the defense in tip-top shape, but he will contribute on offense as a playmaker.

“He’s looking for ideas from our coaching staff, interacting with Phil already on what he needs to improve on to have success,” Sabres’ GM Jason Botterill said. “A big part of our job now … is we have to help him there, and we have to be part of that development process with him.”

It will definitely help having Phil Housley coaching Rasmus Dahlin, both of whom share similar stories up to this point. Housley was a top NHL draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 1982, selected sixth overall, so he is well aware of the pressure that comes with being a high NHL draft pick. Housley went on to have a Hall of Fame career, spending time with Buffalo from 1982-1990. As of today, he is the franchise leader in career points by a defenseman — something Dahlin will have a chance at breaking.

Related Story: Jack Eichel is finally playing like an All-Star

“He doesn’t need to be the savior,” Botterill added. “We’re excited about our young players such as Jack (Eichel) Sam (Reinhart), Rasmus Ristolainen. He can be part of this group to grow together. We certainly have to have better results on the ice. But in communicating with other players, they’re certainly excited to bring Rasmus into our group here and just how they can grow together as a core.”

With the Sabres selecting Rasmus Dahlin, they now have quite the incredible core of players — which includes Jack Eichel (2nd overall in 2015), Sam Reinhart (2nd overall in 2014), Rasmus Ristolainen (8th overall in 2013) and Casey Mittelstadt (8th overall in 2017). There’s no doubt, if the Buffalo Sabres want to start getting better, it needs to happen now.

Now missing the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year, the Sabres are in dire need of help. Eichel and Reinhart have been major contributors as centers, leading the team with 25 goals each and combining for 64 assists on the season. Ristolainen was a playmaker in his own right, dishing 35 assists (3rd on the team) and adding 6 goals to the mix. Mittelstadt, only present for 6 games last season, finished with 5 total points (one goal, 4 assists).

The Sabres now have three quality young centers and two quality young defenders, giving them a tight core to build around for the next few years. The Buffalo Sabres could very well be seeing an end to their own playoff drought soon, much like the Buffalo Bills saw last season when they ended their 17-year drought.

No matter how it plays out, the sports scene in Buffalo is looking brighter every year. Now, it’s just a matter of executing when it comes time.

Next: Buffalo Sabres' Man Cave Gift Guide

What are your expectations for Rasmus Dahlin with the Buffalo Sabres this season? Leave your comments below!