Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin stands to gain significantly from having Lindy Ruff as head coach this season. Multiple players need to step up for the Sabres to improve, with much focus on Tage Thompson as he seeks to reestablish himself as a top scorer after injury setbacks. However, Dahlin’s performance will be pivotal in leading the team back to playoff contention.
At 24 years old, Dahlin enters a crucial phase of his career. Despite the challenges he’s faced, including coaching changes and the pandemic, he has solidified himself as one of the NHL’s elite defensemen. Last season, while he made history by being the first Sabres defenseman in decades to score 20 goals and lead the team in points, his overall performance fell slightly short of expectations, dropping from 73 points to 59. Still, with Ruff’s defensive expertise and structure, Dahlin is poised for a breakout.
Lindy Ruff
Ruff, known for his defensive-focused coaching style, brings much-needed organization to a team that has struggled defensively in recent years. The Sabres’ defense has often been disorganized, with issues like poor positioning and turnovers. Ruff’s approach demands responsibility from all players, which should help improve the team’s overall defensive play and ease the burden on Dahlin, allowing him to focus more on his offensive contributions.
With a more structured system, young talents like Owen Power and Bowen Byram could step up, reducing the heavy workload that Dahlin has shouldered in recent seasons. As the team’s top defenseman, Dahlin has been overworked, averaging over 24 minutes of ice time per game. If Ruff can distribute responsibilities more evenly, Dahlin could thrive, becoming the superstar many expect him to be and possibly contending for a Norris Trophy in the near future.
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