A Star Is Born: Dahlin's Rise
Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin was selected to the NHL's Second Team All-Star, cementing a breakthrough season that has electrified the franchise.
The 24-year-old logged a career-high 19 goals and 74 points in 77 games, a surge that helped the Sabres snap a ten-year playoff drought.
Buffalo opened the postseason by toppling the Boston Bruins in a hard-fought series, only to fall to the Montreal Canadiens in a seven-game Eastern Conference semifinal.
Dahlin’s impact was reflected in the award voting, where he gathered 451 points among defensemen, placing fourth behind Zach Werenski, Cale Makar and Evan Bouchard.
The blue-liner also finished as a finalist for the Norris Trophy, awarded to the league’s top defenseman, and the Masterton Trophy, which honors perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey.
His 16 points in Hart Trophy consideration positioned him ninth overall, while Sabres center Tage Thompson earned a modest two points in the same vote.
The recognition marks the first time Dahlin has been named an All-Star and underscores the Sabres’ resurgence under new management.
Fans and analysts alike are now watching closely to see how the defenseman will build on this momentum as Buffalo aims to become a perennial contender.