The Sabres recently named Rasmus Dahlin captain of the team for the upcoming season. In addition to the 24-year-old defenseman, head coach Lindy Ruff recently named four other alternate captains. Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, Mattias Samuelsson, and Tage Thompson were named as alternates who will rotate throughout the season.
Tuch came over from the Eichel trade in 2021 and last season established himself as a leader both on and off the ice. He was tied with Dahlin for most points last year at 59. Tuch also attended Ruff's introductory press conference this summer.
Both Cozens and Thompson have been on Buffalo since the 2020 season. They both had at least 60 points two years ago and have been steady presence on a team that has saw several trades and free agent players come and go since they were on the Sabres.
Cozens had a goal and two assists in their season finale in 2024 against the Tampa Bay Lightning
Samuelson may be the most suprising addition to the list of alternates. He has only 150 games on the ice during his career. He played in only 41 games a year ago due to injury.
However, it is clear that Ruff saw something in the young left winger. He is under contract through the 2029/2030 season and while on the ice, he had a plus/minus time of plus-4. He added six assists on his abbreviated year.
The Sabres will need strong leaders to get them over the hump and breakthrough to the postseason for the first time in 13 years. Many players have come and gone, and it will be important for these captains to establish something early in the season.
They have gone 4-0 in the preseason so far. They close out the preseason with games against the Columbus Bluejackets and Detroit Red Wings.