Ranking the Buffalo Sabres defensemen from 2022-23

3 – Owen Power

Nothing seemed to phase Owen Power this season, so averaging 23:48 of ice time per game this past season was a cinch. While Power made his rookie mistakes, he also contributed well on both sides of the ice, scoring 35 points, 4 goals, and 31 assists, while defensively, the Buffalo Sabres averaged a 91.5% on ice save percentage when he was out there at 5 on 5, and 90.8% at even strength.

While he didn’t score as often as some thought he would, and that, in turn, will probably negate his quest for the Calder, Power was more than good enough for fans to get excited about him heading into his second full season. There is already talk of general manager Kevyn Adams seeking to sign him to a long-term deal.

2 – Rasmus Dahlin

You may be shocked to find Rasmus Dahlin ranked second instead of at the top, given his 15 goals, 58 points, and 73 assists. Dahlin also grew up this season, serving as not only a team captain, but also as a domineering presence on the ice that many opponents would rather not play against.

Look for Dahlin to finish in the top five for the Norris this season, if not more. And don’t be surprised if he ends up winning the award multiple times in his career.

1 – Mattias Samuelsson

I’ll let everyone else put Rasmus Dahlin at number one, but the Buffalo Sabres suffered in Mattias Samuelsson’s absence. Buffalo became so reliant on the stay-at-home defensemen, that he ended up playing through multiple injuries until the New Jersey Devils knocked the Sabres out of contention, the most notable of which were a sprained MCL and a broken hand.

Samuelsson is no scorer, and it’s why many will rank the two-way Dahlin and perhaps even the upstart Owen Power over him. But he’s physical, and constantly forcing opponents to change pace. His 91 blocks in 55 games also tells his he’s got a knack for spotting the puck.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)