Report: 2 Candidates for the Sabres’ Captaincy
Saying goodbye to the team captain is always a tough decision, yet the Buffalo Sabres made that move by trading forward Kyle Okposo to the Florida Panthers before the NHL trade deadline on March 8. Sabres’ general manager, Kevyn Adams, displayed visible emotion last week when discussing Okposo with the media, stating there’s no urgency in appointing a new captain. Nonetheless, it’s inevitable to consider the future and pinpoint potential candidates to become the franchise’s 21st captain. Below are two contenders for the role.
1. Rasmus Dahlin
Dahlin has faced challenges along his journey, but as the top pick in the 2018 Entry Draft, he has emerged as a prominent figure and top-tier defenseman in the NHL. Reflecting on nearly six seasons in his professional career, the 2020-21 season stands out as an anomaly, marked by unfavorable circumstances under coach Ralph Krueger’s conservative and defensive strategies, which hindered Dahlin’s offensive prowess. Despite enduring a tough period, Dahlin’s resilience prevailed.
During Krueger’s tenure, Sabres fans endured frustration as Dahlin’s capabilities were stifled, leading to a disappointing performance with a minus-36 rating in 56 games. However, rather than allowing this setback to derail his progress, Dahlin persevered. It wasn’t until Don Granato assumed the role of head coach in the 2021-22 season that Dahlin rediscovered his form. Granato empowered Dahlin to play his game freely, resulting in consecutive career-best seasons for the skilled defenseman.
Now in his third year under Granato’s guidance, Dahlin is excelling, averaging nearly 26 minutes of ice time per game and demonstrating leadership as an assistant captain in his second season. According to Jeff Marek, Dahlin’s ascension to the Sabres’ captaincy is a natural choice. With an eight-year contract extension set to commence next season, the 23-year-old Swedish defenseman is poised for a bright future in Buffalo.
2. Alex Tuch
Without a doubt, Adams and the Sabres singled him out in the Jack Eichel trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, and he’s injected new energy into the organization ever since. Hailing from Syracuse, New York, he grew up as a Sabres fan and seamlessly aligned with Adams’ strategy of acquiring players who genuinely want to represent Buffalo. At 27 years old, he’s not only been a positive influence but has also delivered on the ice.
While the Sabres find themselves below their desired position in the standings, Elliotte Friedman reports that a few teams expressed interest in Tuch before the trade deadline. Following the deadline, Adams reiterated that Tuch is integral to Buffalo’s plans for improvement and is not up for grabs. Although Tuch’s contract doesn’t have much time remaining unlike Dahlin’s, the Sabres are likely to engage in talks regarding an extension before his current deal, which stands at $4.75 million for two more years, expires.
Both Options Make Sense for the Sabres
If advocating for an alternative candidate were the aim, Zemgus Girgensons would fit the bill. Despite being a seasoned winger, he surprisingly remained with the team through the deadline and enjoys significant esteem within the organization. However, the Sabres have previously pursued short-term veteran strategies, suggesting that opting for a younger player with a longer tenure would better suit the team’s developmental trajectory. Their primary preference leans towards a youthful defenseman with franchise potential and a firm commitment to the team’s future. Alternatively, they could consider a core player with deep roots in Western New York who has a strong affinity for the Sabres. Ultimately, Adams and Granato possess two players who currently hold leadership roles, exhibit a desire to remain in Buffalo, and serve as exemplary team leaders.