Rasmus Dahlin, Sabres chase encore with young core after Atlantic crown

Rasmus Dahlin has stepped into Buffalo Sabres training camp with a clear mind and a pointed goal: show that last season’s breakthrough was the start of something lasting. The captain is coming off the shortest summer of his nine‑year NHL career after Buffalo captured the Atlantic Division title and won its first playoff series since 2007, eventually bowing out in seven games to the Montreal Canadiens in the second round.

Away from the rink, Dahlin’s situation is also more stable than it was a year ago, when he was dealing with the stress of his fiancée, Carolina Matovac, needing life‑saving heart surgery in Europe. Now healthy and back in Buffalo since March, her recovery has allowed Dahlin to put his full attention on hockey. He described the contrast between last year and this one as “night and day,” adding that he feels fully prepared for what lies ahead.

Younger lineup, bigger expectations in Buffalo

Ending an NHL‑record 14‑year playoff drought has raised the bar internally and around the league. The Sabres open their season Thursday in Columbus with a roster that was already young and became even younger over the summer. Top‑line winger Alex Tuch was dealt to the Washington Capitals, while defenceman Bowen Byram was moved to the Chicago Blackhawks, stripping out two key contributors from last year’s success.

Their exits clear opportunity for an emerging forward group aged 24 and under, including Josh Doan, Zach Benson, Noah Ostlund and Konsta Helenius. That cluster is expected to help drive a three‑line offensive attack with established pieces like Tage Thompson, Josh Norris, Peyton Krebs and Jason Zucker. On defence, the core of Dahlin, Mattias Samuelsson and Owen Power has been supplemented through trades bringing in Louis Crevier and Olen Zellweger.

General manager Jarmo Kekalainen, promoted from senior adviser after Kevyn Adams was fired in mid‑December, begins his first full season in charge. His arrival coincided with a dramatic swing in fortunes: the Sabres went from last in the Eastern Conference to their first 50‑win campaign since 2006‑07, fuelled by a 39‑9‑5 surge to close the schedule. Kekalainen praised that step forward but reminded players that “pretty good” is not the standard the club is aiming for.

Goaltending stability and Ruff’s 50‑win benchmark

Kekalainen declined to engage with trade chatter around Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who has publicly requested a move. Instead, he expressed faith in Buffalo’s internal options, highlighting a three‑man rotation led by Ukko‑Pekka Luukkonen and Alex Lyon, both coming off 20‑win seasons, along with a third goalie in the mix.

Behind the bench, the Sabres will again lean on continuity. Head coach Lindy Ruff, 66, received a two‑year extension in May and is entering his third season of his second stint in Buffalo. He sits third all‑time in games coached at 1,938 and fourth in wins with 950, and he joked that another 50‑win year would push him to 1,000 while also virtually guaranteeing a playoff berth, a target he embraced as a group objective.

Health is the immediate concern as opening night approaches. Samuelsson is considered close to returning from a lower‑body injury suffered while blocking a shot, and Lyon is expected back in practice soon after missing a week with an upper‑body issue. Luukkonen was able to take part in Tuesday’s practice after leaving the team’s pre‑season finale. Up front, veteran forward Conor Sheary has been loaned to AHL Rochester, pending his passage through waivers.