Franchise star Rasmus Dahlin finished in the top six in Norris Trophy voting for the first time in his career for the 2024-2025 season. It is the third time he has placed in the top 15 in Norris Trophy voting, as he finished the year with 68 points and a plus-minus of +11.
The 3-time all-star has put up some excellent seasons in his career, but what makes him a Norris Trophy caliber? It starts with the Sabres letting their offense go through Dahlin.
Dahlin being on the ice more makes the Sabres a dangerous team
Letting Dahlin control the tempo in the offensive zone and on the power play will make the Sabres a top team going forward. Although they struggled with the power play this year, a new game plan next year will likely help them succeed, as Dahlin would run an offense already ranked in the top 10.
Dahlin had a tough year on giveaways with 105, but it's the best possible outcome, as the young defenseman can learn from his mistakes and improve. Dahlin also had a down year defensively, and it is still the highest he has finished in the voting process.
Cale Makar and Zach Werenski average two more minutes of ice time than Dahlin
Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche won the Norris Trophy this season, while Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets finished 2nd. Dahlin averages 24 minutes per game, while the other two average above 26 minutes per game. Werenski finished with eight more games played than Dahlin, and played 400 more minutes, but only finished with 82 points.
If Dahlin had played in 81 games like Werenski, compared to his 73 games played, Dahlin could have had anywhere near 75-80 points. Even with his average of 24 minutes, Werenski would have played right around 200 more minutes on the season if they both played 81 games.
If Dahlin played those minutes, he would have been in the top three for voting, if not higher. Makar set a career-high in giveaways this year, but still won the trophy for his all-around play, which, once again, if Dahlin goes back to his old self defensively, his hits and blocked shots numbers look similar to what Makar has put up in the years he has won the Norris.
Dahlin is the star of the franchise, and the Sabres are fortunate to have him. If the Sabres can make a run going forward, don’t be surprised if Dahlin earns his first trophy real soon.