Sabres Looking To Lock Up Face Of The Franchise
The Buffalo Sabres took a giant step forward last season with many of the young core having career years. In 2021-2022 Buffalo finished with 32 wins and 75 points finishing 25 points out of a playoff spot. Last season Buffalo finished with 42 wins and 91 points, only one point from the final Wild Card position.
One of the young core who took a giant step forward was 23 year old Rasmus Dahlin. Last season Dahlin scored 15 goals and 73 points. His ice time grew from 24:00 to 25:47, establishing himself as a true number one defenceman.
Head coach Don Granato named Dahlin a permanent alternate captain before the season began, a symbol of his elevated status. Dahlin has one more year on his current contract at a cap hit of $6,000,000. He is eligible to sign a contract extension on July 1st, and hockey writer Chad DeDomincis reports things are getting close on a contract extension.
Buffalo and Dahlin are closing in on a massive, long-term extension worth around $10 Million AAV. DeDomincis mentions the Sabres are ready to make Dahlin the face of the franchise, and will prove it with their financial investment.
After years of torment in Buffalo, things are finally turning around for the franchise. The young core is built to contend for years to come.
| POLL | ||
Which young player would you want as your number one defenceman? | ||
| Quinn Hughes | 36 | 26.1 % |
| Moritz Seider | 48 | 34.8 % |
| Rasmus Dahlin | 49 | 35.5 % |
| Noah Dobson | 5 | 3.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
