Buffalo Sabres hit a grand slam with Rasmus Dahlin’s extension

It took longer than most expected, but the Buffalo Sabres just hit a grand slam with an eight-year extension of blueliner Rasmus Dahlin.

Oh, yes, the guesswork over Rasmus Dahlin’s contract came to a close this morning when the Buffalo Sabres signed their star player to what Lance Lysowski of Buffalo News revealed to be $88 million across eight years.

Over the past two seasons, Dahlin rose to stardom not only for the Blue and Gold, but across the NHL landscape. After struggling under Ralph Krueger for a pair of seasons (who on the Sabres didn’t?), the now-23-year-old put up a fine season in 2021-22, when he knocked down 53 points, 13 goals, and 40 assists.

Dahlin also proved he could handle more ice time that season, amassing an ATOI of 24:01. He also recorded a then-career-high 91 blocks along with 121 hits. Dahlin’s efforts landed him a spot in the 2022 NHL All-Star Game, and it foreshadowed what was to come in 2022-23.

Buffalo Sabres strike gold with Dahlin’s eight-year extension

Dahlin started last season on a historic run, scoring five goals in the Sabres first five games, and he worked his way into becoming one of the NHL’s best blueliners. He went on to snag 15 goals, 58 assists, and 73 points, earning himself another trip to the All-Star Game in place of the injured Tage Thompson, and he also finished eighth for the Norris Trophy.

At 23, Dahlin has just barely entered his prime, so don’t be surprised when you see his impact grow with and without the puck as the 2020s continue to look bright for the Buffalo Sabres. He will be tasked with helping to lead a team to a place it hasn’t been in over a decade, and if the Blue and Gold build off of last season’s success, Dahlin and the crew might just get a taste of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Source: Sabres sign Dahlin to 8-year contract extension by Jourdon LaBarber, Sabres.com

(Statistics provided by Hockey-Reference)