Dahlin eager to build on last season after Atlantic-winning Sabres snapped 14-year playoff drought
Dahlin says the Sabres are no longer satisfied after a 50-win season and first playoff series victory since 2007.
- On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin arrived at training camp with a clear head following the shortest summer break of his nine-year NHL career. His fiancée Carolina Matovac's recovery from life-saving heart transplant surgery has allowed Dahlin to refocus entirely on hockey.
- Following a turnaround from the Eastern Conference basement, the Sabres clinched their first Atlantic Division title and won a playoff series last season. Forward Tage Thompson cautioned that "last year's results don't count for anything this year," emphasizing the team must earn continued success.
- General manager Jarmo Kekalainen is banking on a young roster after trading top-line forward Alex Tuch to Washington and defenseman Bowen Byram to Chicago. The team expects a three-line scoring attack from players aged 24 and younger, including Josh Doan and Zach Benson.
- Coach Lindy Ruff, who signed a two-year extension in May, enters his third season leading Buffalo with 1,938 games coached and 950 wins. Ruff expressed confidence in the goaltending rotation featuring Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon as the Sabres prepare for their season opener Thursday at Columbus.
- Dahlin noted the league views the team differently this year with "higher expectations on ourselves and higher expectations around the league." Ruff aims for a 50-win season, saying "if you get 50, you're going to be a playoff team," as the Sabres attempt to prove last season was not a fluke.
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18 Articles
The Toronto Star
Dahlin eager to build on last season after Atlantic-winning Sabres snapped 14-year playoff drought
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Rasmus Dahlin arrived in Buffalo for the start of training camp with a clear head and a refreshed objective following the shortest summer break of his
Rasmus Dahlin eager to build on last season after Atlantic-winning Sabres snapped 14-year playoff drought
Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin is ready to open his ninth NHL season with a clear head and a refreshed objective. He no longer has to worry about his finacee, who has recovered a year after having life-saving heart transplant…
“It’s Gonna Be Fun To Watch.” | Rasmus Dahlin On The Youth Of The Team | Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin spoke to the media on September 30, 2026 after practice. He spoke about the fluidity of the defense and the posi… The post “It’s Gonna Be Fun To Watch.” | Rasmus Dahlin On The Youth Of The Team | Buffalo Sabres appeared first on WNYmedia Network - Buffalo, NY.
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