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.