DALLAS— No surprise but so much excitement: Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin is a Buffalo Sabre.
It's a franchise-shifting moment for the Sabres, selecting a blue liner already talked about in the same light as some of the best not only in the game today but of all time.
Rasmus Dahlin just 18 years old and stands 6’ 3” and 185 pounds.
He's played the past two years in the top professional league in Sweden, which is home to former and future NHL talent, including Stanley Cup winner Nicklas Bäckström and Norris Trophy winner Victor Hedman.
Dahlin just the 14th defenseman ever selected first overall and fills a serious need at the top of the Sabres blue line.
Jason Botterill, the team's general manager, took the podium after being introduced by team owner and president Kim Pegula and made the selection that was predetermined by hockey fans when the Sabres won the draft lottery last month.
It's only the third time in the team's nearly 50-year history Buffalo has had the first overall draft. The other two selections went to career Sabre Gilbert Perreault, the team's first ever draft pick, and Pierre Turgeon, drafted in 1987.
Dahlin is not only the top overall prospect, the Swede is seen as a once-in-a-generation defensive talent who can do it all.
He was warmly welcomed to his new town by some high-profile residents.
Like most families, they weren’t shy about their expectations for the young player: They want to raise the Stanley Cup soon.
“I’ve been a fan my whole life,” said fan Matthew Timm. “It’s just great to know that there is some real hope in the air and it’s almost surreal to know that we have this first-round pick.”
“Rasmus Dahlin is a great pick,” added Tara Shaye Lynch, who came from Connecticut with her family to participate in the festivities. “He’s a power defenseman and he has some pretty good skills on the offensive side. I don’t think we can go wrong. I think he’ll fit right in,” especially with other young players like Jack Eichel, Sam Reinhart and Casey Mittelstadt.