Rasmus Dahlin lays hit of the year on San Jose's Matt Nieto
The 2018 NHL Entry Draft feels like it was ages ago. It also feels like one of those drafts where very few players within the top-10 have failed to make the type of impact that teams had hoped they could. In fact, with the exception of Andrei Svechnikov, Brady Tkachuk and, to a lesser extent, Quinn Hughes and 1st overall pick Rasmus Dahlin, none of the other names really stand out as having done anything worth talking about at the NHL level.
Dahlin was mentioned at the end of that list because until this season, he has been largely underwhelming thus far. Of course, playing in Buffalo on a rebuilding team is challenging. He hasn't been surrounded by a lot of talent for much of his young career.
Dahlin began to pick things up last season, but is only now enjoying a breakout year. So far in 2022-23, the 22-year-old Swede has racked up 29 points in 24 games, but his play without the puck has been impressive as well - including his willingness to take the body when necessary.
Last night, during the Sabres' game against the San Jose Sharks, Dahlin landed arguably the hit of the year so far on Sharks forward Matt Nieto. Take a look:
Dahlin has added some bite to his game over the past two seasons and if this is the way he plans to play the game moving forward, this season may be one where he's putting the league on notice. The Sabres are not going to be an easy out for anyone.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 5 | 107 ANSWERS Rasmus Dahlin lays hit of the year on San Jose's Matt Nieto Is Rasmus Dahlin a legitimate Norris Trophy candidate this season? | ||
| Yes | 52 | 48.6 % |
| No | 55 | 51.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
