5 outstanding building blocks for the Buffalo Sabres
By Sion Fawkes
Rasmus Dahlin
He’s one of the most dangerous two-way defensemen in the NHL and following his first All-Star Game, he’s putting the league on notice. Dahlin’s 39 points in 63 games proves he’s a tremendous puck handler unafraid to take risks with the puck if it means a potential goal.
But don’t let his offensive prowess fool you. Dahlin is also budding into one of the league’s top defensemen with 84 hits, 72 blocks, and 19 takeaways. He’s already set a career-high for blocks, and his 19 takeaways are his highest since his rookie season. Look for him to threaten setting a new career-high in hits while he’s at it.
Like Tuch, Dahlin has evolved into a leader and a franchise cornerstone. You see his leadership skills on display given how vocal he has become this season, regularly shouting encouragement to teammates while his competitive drive is on full display every time he takes the ice.
Still just 22, expect Dahlin to build off of his incredible 2021-22 campaign and solidify his spot as a cornerstone for at least the next five seasons. The days of the Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhart meltdowns are long gone, and Dahlin is one of a few rays of hope for this Sabres team.