The Buffalo Sabres named star defenseman Rasmus Dahlin as their new captain on Thursday afternoon, replacing Kyle Okposo, who was traded to the Florida Panthers last season
“He does everything right, first and foremost,” head coach Lindy Ruff said. “His on-ice action has been incredible, and I think he’s a guy that leads in every category, from the way he prepares himself to the way he plays, and the fact that he’s a guy who cares about winning hockey games.”
Alex Tuch, Dylan Cozens, Tage Thompson, and Mattias Samuelsson will serve as rotating alternate captains.
Dahlin was the top overall pick by Buffalo in 2018 and has since developed into a top-tier defenseman. He finished in the Top 15 of Norris Trophy voting in both 2023 and 2024. At just 24 years old, Dahlin is entering his seventh NHL season, coming off a career-high 73 points in 2022-23 and 20 goals last season.Â
He has led the team in average ice time for three consecutive seasons and begins the first year of his eight-year, $88-million contract signed in October 2023.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.