All-Star defenseman leads the club with 47 points
The Buffalo Sabres created a sizable hole in the leadership department with the trades of veteran defenseman Erik Johnson and team captain Kyle Okposo at the deadline last Friday. GM Kevyn Adams indicated that he does not foresee naming a new captain before the end of the regular season, but did express his belief that there are players on the roster ready to step up.
Winger Alex Tuch was named an assistant captain earlier in the year and is one of the most experienced players on the roster at 27 years old, center Dylan Cozens is in his fourth NHL season and just turned 23, but based on his comments after the deadline, it appears that the favorite to be the next captain is Rasmus Dahlin.
"You look at the age and experience of those players when Kyle Okposo got the C on his chest to where they are now. There's a big difference. Rasmus has elevated in every single way, on the ice, off the ice, physically. Just his voice, his confidence." Adams said. "I think (our young veterans have) been mentored by some really good people, going back to Craig Anderson, Johnson, and Eric Staal years ago…..They've gained experience from (them) and lessons, so it's their time."
The soon-to-be 24-year-old is the club’s best player (currently tied for the club scoring lead with 47 points) and will be a fixture for years to come after signing an eight-year, $88 million contract extension last October, but he has a tough act to follow in Okposo, who was accountable and always front and center with the media after every loss. Dahlin is a large presence on the ice, but it will take some time to see if he is just as large off of it.
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