There were six Buffalo captains between Craig Rivet and Rasmus Dahlin. In fact, the last time they made the postseason in 2011, they did not have a player wearing the "C."
Now Dahlin is looking at being the leader as a playoff return finally nears.
He was named captain two seasons ago and is facing the chance to be remembered fondly among the Sabre fanbase. The Sabres had tried everything in terms of captains from veterans like Kyle Okposo to stars such as Jack Eichel.
However, with Dahlin, they seemed to have found the right balance of young but stable with his leadership skills. He has emerged as the steady force both on and off the ice. But Dahlin has proven himself beyond his stats.
It's how he conducts himself as the team spokesperson, and he shows the way a captain can treat each and every one of his teammates.
Rasmus Dahlin has stuck with the Buffalo Sabres through thick and thin since being drafted 1st overall in 2018
The Swedish defenseman has 50 assists on the year, which proves he knows how to find the right player on the ice to find the back of the net.
He has spoken up when needed and now is looking at leading them to their coveted postseason berth. He also has led by example off the ice during the rough patches of recent years.
He missed sometime earlier this season due to taking care of his fiancée, who had a heart transplant. It demonstrates that he knew how to prioritize and take care of what he needed to do.
Dahlin has been sharp and crisp in passes and dependable in the defensive end. It seemed that the time he gave to his family gave him more drive and incentive to play well once he returned.
The Sabres have not clinched a playoff berth just yet, but each day they get closer. Now with Dahlin leading the charge, he will have to take this regular-season success and push forward for a Stanley Cup run. There have been plenty of moments to prepare him for playoff hockey.
He has his entire career in front of him. However, if he can prove himself and lead the team to a decent showing in the playoffs, it will demonstrate to everyone that he has it in him to be one of the best captains in Sabres history, and he'll start leaving his mark on the NHL, too.