Buffalo Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin’s MVP rehab skate pays off

Feb 10, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) looks to make a pass during the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) looks to make a pass during the first period against the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Rasmus Dahlin missed the Buffalo Sabres 7-3 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday night with a lower body injury. 

Initially, the Buffalo Sabres did not know how long they would be without All-Star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin. Then came his morning rehab skate on Tuesday, and his exceptional performance during the skate may get him back onto the ice in time to face the Montreal Canadiens.

Nothing is set in stone, but if Dahlin returns on Wednesday, it couldn’t come at a better time. The Sabres defense was laughable as they struggled against a so-so Columbus Blue Jackets team. Jacob Bryson found himself on the first pairing with Henri Jokiharju, and neither provided the aggression Dahlin brings.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin will return sooner than later

The Sabres have a few concerns regarding Dahlin. One of which involves the strength surrounding his injury. On Tuesday, his body language indicated the surrounding area is strong. He neither winced nor showed signs of slowing down.

Dahlin suspects the injury came during the Sabres homestand against the Colorado Avalanche. However, he didn’t feel any pain in the area until after the game. Dahlin’s pain intensified on Sunday morning, which ultimately held him out of the tilt against the Blue Jackets.

Even if Dahlin doesn’t make it back to the lineup in time for the Canadiens game, expect him to return sooner than later during the current road trip. But one thing is for certain: Great players find ways to augment their recovery and it’s clear Dahlin is turning into one of those players.

Still one of the league’s (and the team’s) youngest players, Dahlin has quickly evolved into a leadership role on the Sabres. Let’s hope Dahlin returns as early as Wednesday. But let’s also hope he doesn’t return too early in the event he re-aggravates the injury. The Sabres face the Canadiens at 7:30 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.