The Buffalo Sabres are entering the 2024-25 NHL season with high hopes and renewed expectations. To achieve improvement and possibly return to the postseason, several players will need to elevate their performance. However, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Rasmus Dahlin, who is poised to have a monumental impact on the team’s fortunes this season. Dahlin’s journey has been marked by ups and downs, but with a fresh coaching perspective and a solid supporting cast, he might be on the brink of a breakout year.
Rasmus Dahlin: The Rising Star
At just 24 years old, Rasmus Dahlin is already a seasoned veteran in the NHL, having spent six seasons with the Sabres. His trajectory has been anything but smooth, shaped by the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and a revolving door of coaches. Despite these challenges, Dahlin has emerged as one of the league’s premier defensemen, living up to the high expectations set before him. His impressive performances over the last two seasons have cemented his status as an elite player, yet his recent campaign fell short of expectations.
The 2022-23 season saw Dahlin achieve career highs, including the most points by a Sabres defenseman in over three decades and a Norris Trophy nomination. However, the 2023-24 season saw a dip in his numbers, with his points tally dropping from 73 to 59. Despite this decrease, Dahlin made history as the first Sabres defenseman since 1990 to score 20 goals and lead the team in scoring. This paradox of success and disappointment reflects the volatile nature of his recent seasons, underscoring the need for a stronger and more cohesive team environment to support his growth.
The Coaching Change: A New Era
The Sabres have undergone a significant coaching change, bringing in Lindy Ruff, a former Sabre defenseman known for his defensive prowess and structured approach. Ruff’s return could be a game-changer for Dahlin and the entire defensive unit. Under Ruff’s guidance, the Sabres will likely see a more disciplined and organized defensive scheme, something that has been sorely lacking in recent years. Granato’s tenure was marred by defensive inconsistencies and a lack of accountability, which hindered Dahlin’s ability to perform at his best.
Ruff’s emphasis on defense and his no-nonsense approach to accountability could help stabilize the Sabres’ defensive play. With Ruff at the helm, the Sabres are expected to implement a more coherent and effective defensive strategy. This could alleviate some of the pressure on Dahlin, allowing him to focus on his offensive contributions while the team’s defensive structure supports his efforts.
The Supporting Cast: Key Contributions
While Dahlin is the centerpiece of the Sabres’ defense, he is not alone. The team boasts other promising talents such as Owen Power and Bowen Byram, alongside more conservative defenders like Mattias Samuelsson and Henri Jokiharju. The Sabres’ defense showed signs of improvement last season, but it was clear that cohesion was still lacking. A more structured approach under Ruff could help these young defensemen reach their full potential and contribute more effectively.
The return of Samuelsson, who missed a significant portion of last season, is expected to be a substantial boost. His presence could provide additional stability and support for Dahlin, allowing the latter to focus more on his offensive game without overburdening himself defensively.
The 2024-25 Season: A Defining Year
This season presents a crucial opportunity for Dahlin to elevate his game and potentially transform the Sabres’ fortunes. With a more organized defensive system in place and a supportive cast around him, Dahlin could have the space and freedom to shine. His current status as a top-ten defenseman in points over the last two seasons indicates his potential, and a more cohesive team structure could help him achieve even greater heights.
Dahlin’s ability to perform both offensively and defensively will be pivotal for the Sabres. If the team can provide him with the right support and structure, Dahlin could emerge as a genuine Norris Trophy contender. Buffalo has never had a Norris Trophy winner, and Dahlin appears to be the player capable of breaking that streak. While it may not happen immediately, this season could be a significant step towards that goal.
In summary, the Sabres’ success this season will depend heavily on Rasmus Dahlin’s performance and the overall team cohesion. With Lindy Ruff’s return and a strengthened defensive unit, the 2024-25 season could be a turning point for both Dahlin and the Sabres, setting the stage for a promising future.
