Buffalo Sabres 2023-24 Outlook: Rasmus Dahlin (Norris Year?)
The Buffalo Sabres have a star defenseman in Rasmus Dahlin, and it seems like he will only get better in his upcoming 2023-24 campaign.
Arguably the face of the Buffalo Sabres franchise, Rasmus Dahlin has seen a pair of 50-plus point seasons and back-to-back appearances in the NHL All-Star Game. Dahlin has 28 goals in that span with 98 assists and 126 points total, but don’t think for a single second he’s an offensive-defenseman.
He is an aggressive player who isn’t afraid to hit like a stay-at-home blueliner, nor is he scared to stand up for teammates. Dahlin got so aggressive at times that he made the occasional mental error, like skating through a celebrating Chicago Blackhawks team after the latter scored.
But for the most part, the ultra-aggressive and ultra-talented former first overall pick has been a blast to watch. So what will 2023-24 look like for Dahlin, and will he solidify himself as a Norris finalist this season?
Rasmus Dahlin will fuel the Buffalo Sabres in 2023-24
It’s easy to forget that Rasmus Dahlin is just 23 and is barely breaking into his prime. And although the Sabres may not need to score as often with a better overall defensive rotation in place, Dahlin’s production may realistically sail north of the 73 points he scored this past season.
Even if he doesn’t, don’t mistake it for being any less of an impact – With a fast-rising Owen Power, it means that Dahlin may not hit the same number of points, but don’t be surprised if he does. Defensively, look for an even edgier Dahlin than what we’ve seen in the past.
Last season, he recorded 105 hits, 16 fewer than the 121 he logged in 2021-22, but you could argue that they were more impactful, and many times, it’s the quality that matters. He also had 132 blocks, and that’s yet another number you can expect to rise this season.
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Look for the Buffalo Sabres to generate plenty of chances in the offensive zone with Dahlin on the ice, especially when paired with the first line. And overall, expect Dahlin to enjoy yet another impact season, and one that should at least put him into Top 5 contention for the Norris.
(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)