Without question, the two best defensemen in the NHL are Quinn Hughes and Cale Makar. Over the past few seasons, these two have been among the most consistent defensemen, and they've taken home two of the last three Norris Trophies.
Makar played so well that the Avalanche gave him a record-setting deal, and the Wild seemed comfortable doing the same with Quinn. But these two aren't the only ones who deserve national praise. With how well Ramsus Dahlin has played, he should be a part of that group as well.
Ramsus Dahlin has cemented himself as one of the best defensemen in hockey
Ever since the Sabers drafted Dahlin first overall back in 2018, he has established himself as the face of the blueline. He has been highly effective on both sides of the ice. Over his eight-year career, he has logged 102 goals and 332 assists for 434 points. He has also blocked 716 shots, delivered 838 hits, and forced 252 turnovers. He has been rather consistent of late, having scored over 60 points in three of the last four seasons and always being in the Norris conversation.
These numbers are very comparable to Makar and Hughes. Over Makar's seven seasons, he has racked up 136 goals and 371 assists for 507 points. While that seems like a big jump, it's supported by three 90-point seasons. Outside of those, the stat lines are nearly identical with Dalhin. On the other hand, in the eight seasons Quinn has been in the league has registered 66 goals and 419 assists for 485 points. Numbers closer to what Dalhin has done.
Sure, the other two have had flashier seasons than Dahlin, production-wise. As well as having more postseason and international success. However, on average, Dahlin is right up there with them. He is putting up a stat line and making contributions that are very similar to Makar and Hughes. He also contributes off the ice as the team captain. He is the guy who is supposed to be the face of the franchise and the leader on the ice. Having that responsibility only makes his stats more impressive.
This also makes Dahlin one of the biggest steals in hockey. As mentioned before, Makar holds the record with a $20.4 million average annual value, and Hughes is set to match it; Dahlin is getting a fraction of that. He inked an eight-year deal worth $11 million annually before the 2024-25 season. The Sabres are getting elite production for just over half what the market says he should be making. This will go a long way in helping the Sabres build a consistently competitive roster.
While Makar and Hughes will hog the headlines, Dahlin should be getting just as much shine as they do. He has proven time and time again that he is just as good as they are.
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