For years, Buffalo Sabres' Rasmus Dahlin struggled to live up to the expectations as the first overall pick in the NHL Draft.

That changed during the 2025-26 season as Dahlin helped lead Buffalo to its first Stanley Cup Playoffs in 14 years.

The 26-year-old captain established himself as one of the NHL’s top defensemen, recording 19 goals and 55 assists. His 74-point tally ranks sixth in the league for his position.

More importantly, he became a key leader for a Sabres team that finally moved forward after years of rebuilding.

The Swede's two-way impact made him one of Buffalo’s most important players during the regular season and the playoffs.

The recognition came soon after the Buffalo Sabres were eliminated from the playoffs. Rasmus Dahlin earned a place on the NHL Second All-Star Team for the first time in his career. 

He joined Edmonton Oilers' Evan Bouchard as one of the league’s top defensemen. Only Cale Makar of the Colorado Avalanche and Zach Werenski of the Columbus Blue Jackets were selected to the First All-Star Team ahead of him.

Dahlin’s outstanding season was also reflected in Norris Trophy voting. He finished third and received 13 first-place votes, a far cry from the criticism often leveled at his feisty playstyle.

However, the Buffalo star's plaudits didn't end there.

Hart Trophy Recognition Reflects Dahlin's Expanded Impact

For the first time in his career, Dahlin earned notable support in Hart Trophy voting, an accolade given to the NHL’s most valuable player.

Although Tampa Bay Lightning's Nikita Kucherov won the award, Dahlin finished among the top 10. He received 17 voting points, including three fourth-place votes and seven fifth-place votes.

That was an impressive result for a defenseman competing against many of the NHL’s top offensive stars.

The voting results showed that Dahlin's value went beyond his usual duties, as he regularly took on tough defensive matchups while also helping drive the offense.

Despite the individual honors, Dahlin enters the 2026-27 season with unfinished business. Buffalo’s playoff run ended with a disappointing Game 7 loss to the Montreal Canadiens in the second round, a result that remains frustrating for the organization.

However, the season set a new benchmark for both parties. The franchise enjoyed its best season since 2006/07, which included its first Atlantic Division title in 13 years.

If Buffalo keeps improving, Dahlin could finish even higher in future Norris Trophy, Hart Trophy, and All-Star Team standings.

What do you think? Will Rasmus Dahlin build on this breakthrough season and challenge for NHL awards next?

Read more at the NHL Fan Central.

Written by

Kapil Manghnani

Edited by

Sijo Paul