This Buffalo Sabres dropped a few spots in the NHL Network's latest Top 20 Defensemen Right Now list.
This Buffalo Sabres dropped a few spots in the NHL Network's latest Top 20 Defensemen Right Now list.
The NHL Network has released their Top 20 Defensemen Right Now for the upcoming season, and without much surprise, Rasmus Dahlin has made the cut. However, he, unfortunately, has fallen down a few spots.
Last year, Dahlin was ranked at the No. 7 spot in the NHL Network's list. This time around, he has been ranked as the 11th-best defenseman in the NHL. Boston Bruins star Charlie McAvoy, who also fell this year, is ranked at Dahlin's former No. 7 spot this time around. Following McAvoy are Adam Fox (New York Rangers), Evan Bouchard (Edmonton Oilers), and Devon Toews (Colorado Avalanche).
Dahlin's drop in the NHL Network's rankings is likely due to his decrease in offense this past season. While he set a new career-high with 20 goals in 2023-24, he dropped in points, as he had 59 on the year. During the 2022-23 season, he set career highs with 58 assists and 73 points.
Overall, Dahlin's potential to move back up again in next year's rankings is undoubtedly there. If he gets his offense back up to similar totals in 2024-25 and continues to make an impact with his defensive play and physicality, it will help his chances.
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