Buffalo Sabres: A deeper dive into Rasmus Dahlin’s 2022-23 season

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 07: Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres stands during player introductions before an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild at KeyBank Center on January 07, 2023 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NEW YORK - JANUARY 07: Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres stands during player introductions before an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild at KeyBank Center on January 07, 2023 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Joshua Bessex/Getty Images)

Rasmus Dahlin had an amazing season for the Buffalo Sabres. Let’s take a deeper dive into his unforgettable 2022-23 campaign. 

After last year, fans were really encouraged with what they saw in Rasmus Dahlin. Going into this season, it seemed like he was poised to have an even better year. In 80 games played last season, the former first overall pick scored 13 goals and 40 assists.

As you can see in the tweet above, Dahlin did in fact have a better 2022-2023 season. With 15 goals and 58 assists in 78 games played, he got even better in the points department. I think it’s safe to say that Rasmus will be in the running for the Norris Trophy, which is given to the best defenseman in the NHL.

Buffalo Sabres defensemen Rasmus Dahlin enjoyed an incredible season

Looking at some of these plays, it’s absolutely amazing how good he is with the puck on his stick. As a result, he played in the All Star Game due to Tage Thompson not being able to play because of an injury.

Oh yeah, he also broke records. Check out these stats below, it’s amazing how much better he has gotten.

If it wasn’t for Erik Karlsson having a season for the ages with the San Jose Sharks, I believe Dahlin would have a great shot at winning it. However, Dahlin’s skill is not what caught my eye while watching games this season.

Not only is Rasmus lethal offensively, but he is starting to become a player other players hate playing against. He is starting to lay some hits and at times, will stick up for his teammates.

Dahlin is not a little kid anymore. Put his amazing offense together with his physicality, he is going to be the complete package and will just continue to get better and better as the years go on. Sabres fans and people around the NHL are starting to see why Dahlin went first overall in the 2018 NHL Draft.

Must Read. Why the Buffalo Sabres didn’t surprise me in 2022-23. light

He is one of the many talented players on the Sabres roster and will be one of the reasons why Buffalo could very well break the playoff drought next season if they continue to build around him and the core players.

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)