A few weeks back, it was rumored that the Buffalo Sabres and defenseman Rasmus Dahlin basically had a done deal for a contract extension.
July 1st came and went, yet we heard no word on Rasmus Dahlin’s expected contract extension. However, a few weeks back, it was rumored Dahlin and the Buffalo Sabres were closing in on an agreement. But of course, nothing could be officially announced until the first.
Yet here we are, just a few days down the road, and still, we’ve heard nothing about a contract extension being signed. So what’s the hold-up? Honestly, we don’t know, but just because we haven’t seen anything announced doesn’t mean it’s time to push the panic button.
Remember when Northeastern’s season ended and Devon Levi didn’t sign right away? Well, that worked out well. Or when Ryan Johnson’s season ended and he took a few weeks to sign? Now, we’re going to see Johnson in Rochester.
Buffalo Sabres will extend Dahlin before the summer ends
The 2023-24 NHL Season doesn’t even begin for the Sabres until October 12th. So we’re over three months away from opening night. Within the next three months, you will see Dahlin sign his extension, and you will also see Owen Power either opt for a bridge deal, or he will sign a long-term deal, himself.
Sometimes, a contract hold-up is nothing more than legal jargon, and that very well may be the case here. And it’s not like there needs to be a sense of urgency. Dahlin will be a restricted free agent at the end of the 2023-24 season as it is, so if for any reason he hasn’t signed by the end of the year, the Sabres still have the ability to extend a qualifying offer.
If I were to make a prediction, it’s that we will hear of Dahlin signing his extension sooner rather than later. Ditto for Power. So let’s not panic and ask why we haven’t heard anything regarding either contract. Once news inevitably breaks that Dahlin and Power are signing their respective extensions with the Buffalo Sabres, we will have plenty of time to celebrate.
Source: Report: Sabres About to Sign Rasmus Dahlin to Massive Extension by Chris Owen, WYRK.com
(Salary information provided by Cap Friendly)