Buffalo Sabers 2023-24 Player Report Card: Rasmus Dahlin – The Hockey Writers – Buffalo Sabers

Rasmus Dahlin was one of the best players and one of the bright spots on the Buffalo Sabers roster this season. A true engine from start to finish, Dahlin was the backbone of the team every night, establishing himself as one of the true leaders in the locker room and on the ice. He looked dangerous in every game, and even though his offensive stats weren’t up to par, there was a drastic improvement in his scoring and defensive choices. His growth as a player and leader this season has been a huge boost for the club.

Dahlin played his role perfectly

Dahlin entered the 2023-24 season with a massive contract extension and got to work showing why he was worth every penny. He was one of the Sabres’ most consistent threats, tied for first in points with 59 and fifth in goals with 20. He was the first Sabers defenseman to score 20 or more goals since Phil Housley during the 1989-90 season and beyond. has solidified himself as one of the best two-way defenders in the league today. He was also one of the top contributors on the power play, with six power play goals and 20 points. Despite the team’s struggles, he still managed to be a shining light for them when needed.

Dahlin was also a physical beast eating up minutes this season. He played in every situation, averaging a career-high 25:25 per game – which seems low considering how much he played during certain stretches. There were times when he played 28 minutes or more per game, and he excelled with that added responsibility. Even when his offense waned due to extra ice time, he was still dominant, constantly interrupting plays, throwing down hits, blocking shots and disrupting the opponent’s best lines.

Dahlin ranking

Beyond his stats, Dahlin has become a solid leader this season. On the bench he was always engaged in the game, and on the ice he defended himself and his teammates. He was the face of the franchise, and even though he didn’t wear the captain’s “C”, he carried himself like he did. Every play was personal and every night was a game that mattered – that was evident in the way he played and responded in post-game interviews. Between his growth and his abilities displayed on the ice, his grades look like this:

• Rating – A
• Defense – A
• Game Creation – A-
• Leadership – A+
• Teamwork – A

He’s one of the only players on the roster to earn a glowing review this season. Between his effort, his production, and his development well beyond his dog years with Ralph Krueger, Dahlin has become an All-Star in his own right. He is an integral part of the Sabres’ future and a lot still rests on his shoulders.

Dahlin’s future seems very clear

Dahlin should be the favorite to be named the Sabres’ next captain, and that would go a long way in maintaining a positive culture in the locker room. With new head coach Lindy Ruff returning to the building, Dahlin should benefit from a little more physicality on the defensive end, and he could also benefit from some offensive freedom to be the creative threat we know him to be. maybe.

He’s Buffalo’s best defender, but the question remains who his partner will be next season. He showed promise with Bowen Byram right after the trade, so maybe that magic can be found again in 2024-25. For next season, it will be essential to determine who is the best fit for them so that communication and chemistry can develop between them as quickly as possible.

Related – Sabers 2023-24 Player Report Cards: Dylan Cozens

Dahlin isn’t going anywhere. Barring any problems in how the organization treats him or massive failures in the quest for the playoffs in the coming years, Dahlin has the potential to be one of the few lifetime franchise players in the NHL of today. He’s the one who will take them to the playoffs. All of these big steps forward should carry him into 2024-25, and it will truly be his biggest season yet.