![Rasmus Dahlin is projected be the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft [Image via R1ku Exposures/Flickr]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/6/4/660x290/b_502x220x82/rasmus-dahlin-is-projected-be-the-first-overall-pick-in-the-2018-nhl-draft-image-via-r1ku-exposuresflickr_2024337.jpg "Rasmus Dahlin is projected be the first overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft [Image via R1ku Exposures/Flickr]")
All eyes will be on the Buffalo Sabres on June 22, 2018. The Sabres had a miserable 2017-18 campaign and are looking to bounce back with the first pick of the 2018 NHL draft. Among the top-picks will be: Brady Tkachuk, the robust forward from Boston University, prepared to make his father (Keith Tkachuk) proud at the NHL level. Then there is Andrei Svechnikov, the stout Russian winger who scored 72 points in 44 games in the OHL this year.
Finally, Rasmus Dahlin, the highly-rated Swedish defender who played for Frolunda HC in the competitive Swedish Hockey League.
Although selecting a defenseman first overall is rare, Dahlin could be the exception.
Just what the Sabres need
The Buffalo Sabres only scored 199 goals in the 2017-2018 NHL season, but they also allowed 280 goals. You could make the argument that they would be better off selecting the top forward in the draft, but the truth is that either a top defenseman or forward will improve this team. So let's talk about Rasmus Dahlin.
The 6'2 187 lb. defender from Trollhattan, Sweden promises tremendous ability as a puck-handler, and jumping into the rush. He is also said to be a good two-way defenseman and plays well one-on-one. Check the 'goals for' and 'goals against' box. If he is not scoring, he's making a pass, opening up plays for the forwards.
He can also play on the powerplay.
Who benefits from the addition of Dahlin?
Phil Housley was a stellar defenseman back in his years with Buffalo. Now he's behind the bench to lead the Sabres to a Stanley Cup. 2017-2018 was not kind to him, but he will be determined to make the Sabres a competitive hockey team again.
The Sabres want to improve their defense drastically, and shoring up the blue line could trigger more offense and a secure zone behind them. Selecting Dahlin as the first pick is a step in the right direction.
Rasmus Ristolainen, who carried the Sabres' defense this past season would benefit from another young, but a skillful defender. As a forward, knowing you have that extra piece behind you, and who can contribute to the offense relieves the pressure of making a mistake.
Marco Scandella is in his prime at 28 years old. If Dahlin is paired with him, that will make an interesting combination as Scandella is not known for his scoring, and if ever Dahlin decides to jump in on the rush, it would be comforting to know Scandella is behind him.
Final thoughts on Dahlin
Even if the Buffalo Sabres pick dahlin, I don't believe they will contend for the Stanley Cup or even make the playoffs, but they would definitely earn more than 62 points unlike their performance for the 2017-2018 campaign.
Dahlin will be facing a lot of pressure, but he would also bring a spark to this team. He will address many areas that the Sabres have been looking to improve. He will catch team's off balance with his ability to pass the puck from any distance accurately.
Before, the Swedish players were coached to play a possession-style of hockey. According to Anders Hedberg, a member of the Swedish and IIHF Hockey Hall of Fame, however, this style of hockey was "terrible for development." Dahlin comes in with a more aggressive approach to the game, and this could bring an exciting and effective element to an ailing Sabres team.
