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Buffalo Sabres: Rasmus Dahlin takes the next step

By Paul Taylor

DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Rasmus Dahlin answers questions from the media after being selected first overall by the Buffalo Sabres during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - JUNE 22: Rasmus Dahlin answers questions from the media after being selected first overall by the Buffalo Sabres during the first round of the 2018 NHL Draft at American Airlines Center on June 22, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /
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Rasmus Dahlin has signed his entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres and will now concentrate on making the team out of training camp.

There was some excellent news for the Buffalo Sabres on Monday, as they continue their mission to turnaround the team’s fortunes. As per the Associated Press, Rasmus Dahlin has signed his entry-level contract.

In truth, the signing was a standard procedure, as Dahlin signed a max contract. The deal is for three years and comes with a cap hit of $925,000.

However, where the 18-year-old can really earn some decent money, is related to bonuses. As reported by Mike Harrington of The Buffalo News, he can make up to $2.85 million in each of the next three seasons, based on performance bonuses.

Dahlin has been described as a franchise-changing blue-liner. He is projected to make the Sabres’ team out of training camp and contribute right away at the NHL level.

As you’d expect, the 2018 first overall draft pick is delighted with his new deal. As per his Instagram page, he wrote:

"Becoming a NHL contract has been my dream since I started playing hockey! Now I have done it with the Buffalo Sabers, it could not be better! I want to take care of thanking my family and everyone in my presence who has helped me along the way."

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While there are very few guarantees in the world of hockey, there is no real reason why Dahlin shouldn’t succeed with the Sabres. He is an elite prospect who has the dream combination of exceptional hockey IQ, skill and skating ability.

Considering his age, the Swede is already 6 foot 3 and 185 pounds. He should only become bigger and stronger in the coming months and years.

In addition, Dahlin is just the latest in an excellent core of young talent, which gives the Swords and their fans plenty of reason to be optimistic after a mostly disappointing seven seasons on the ice. Combined with the likes of Jack Eichel, Casey Mittelstadt and Alex Nylander, the future looks bright in Western New York.

You could make an argument for the Sabres bringing the left-shot defenseman along slowly and not putting too much pressure and expectation on him. However, the general consensus among hockey scouts is that he can and will help the team right away.

Either way, it’s going to be an interesting few months in Buffalo. And no one will be surprised if Dahlin is on the ice when the Sabres drop the puck, come opening night on Oct. 4.

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What kind of impact are you predicting Dahlin will have with the Buffalo Sabres next season? Do you believe he will make the roster out of training camp? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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