The NHL Network released its annual list of the league's 20 best defensemen on Wednesday night, and Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin cracked the top 10.
Dahlin, who posted 68 points (17 goals and 51 assists) in 73 games last season, checked in at No. 7 sandwiched between the Winnipeg Jets' Josh Morrissey and Carolina Hurricanes' Jaccob Slavin ahead of the 2025-26 season.
The 2018 first overall pick ranked No. 11 on last year's list.
"Dahlin has had at least 50 points and 20 power-play points in four straight seasons," the NHL Network report stated. "He had 101 hits and 98 blocked shots last season and tied his career high with a shooting percentage of 8.5."
Unsurprisingly, Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche came in No. 1 on this year's NHL Network list.
Dahlin's ranking: too high, too low or just right?
It all depends on whether you're trying to rank players based on current ability or past NHL success and accolades.
Dahlin has a case for No. 1 in terms of all-around skill set. He's emerged as a top-tier defenseman despite a defensive depth chart in Buffalo that's been laughable at times throughout his career. It's an area that was finally addressed over the past two seasons to give him more support.
His skating, puck-moving ability, shot and quick stick to shut down plays in the defensive zone are extraordinary traits. He's rarely caught out of position and never flinched as the Sabres asked him to play in virtually every key situation over the years.
In March, Dahlin shot down speculation suggesting he wanted to leave Buffalo.
'I have never said I want out of here," Dahlin told reporters. "I'm not happy (with) where we're at. I don't want to lose. We have to get better. I've never said I want out of here. I thought that was pretty clear. That bugs me, actually. I get [ticked] off by that. I haven't even mentioned the word 'leave.' That's just how it is."
That's great news for the Sabres, who've watched far too many talented players leave the organization and find high-end success en route to Stanley Cup titles elsewhere.
Yet, the franchise's lack of success — it's riding an NHL-record 14-year playoff drought — is one of the reasons the superstar defenseman hasn't accumulated the accolades that could help him climb the NHL Network list ever higher.
If Buffalo was a perennial Cup contender, there's a good chance Dahlin could be inside the list's top three and may even have a strong case for the top spot. Yes, he's that good.
For now, however, No. 7 feels like a fair ranking with all things considered. It puts him in the Norris Trophy conversation to open the 2025-26 campaign.