Rasmus Dahlin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Rasmus Dahlin
Dahlin with the Buffalo Sabres in 2019
Born	(2000-04-13) 13 April 2000 (age 25) Trollhättan, Sweden
Height	6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
Weight	202 lb (92 kg; 14 st 6 lb)
Position	Defence
Shoots	Left
NHL team Former teams	Buffalo Sabres Frölunda HC
National team	Sweden
NHL Draft	1st overall, 2018 Buffalo Sabres
Playing career	2016–present

Rasmus Erik Dahlin (born 13 April 2000) is a Swedish professional ice hockey player. He plays as a defence player and is the captain for the Buffalo Sabres. This team is part of the National Hockey League (NHL). Many people thought Rasmus was the most talented player available in the 2018 NHL entry draft. The Sabres picked him first overall in that draft.

Rasmus Dahlin: Hockey Star

Early Career and Draft

Rasmus Dahlin started his professional career in Sweden. During the 2016–17 season, he scored his first goal in the Swedish Hockey League (SHL). He was playing for Frölunda HC at the time. This happened on 12 November 2016.

Dahlin with Frölunda HC in 2018.

Before the 2018 NHL entry draft, Rasmus was seen as the top young player. Experts said he was a smart player who could play both offence and defence. They praised his skating, puck handling, and vision. He was compared to famous players like Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman.

On 22 June 2018, the Buffalo Sabres chose Dahlin as the first pick in the draft. He was the first Swedish player picked first overall since Mats Sundin in 1989. On 9 July, he signed a three-year contract with the Sabres.

Making a Mark in the NHL

Rasmus Dahlin joined the Sabres for the 2018–19 season. He played his first NHL game on 4 October. On 13 October, he scored his first NHL goal. This was in a game against the Arizona Coyotes.

By 9 February 2019, Dahlin had achieved something special. He became one of only five defence players in NHL history to get 30 points before turning 19. After his first season, he was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy. This award goes to the best rookie (first-year player) in the NHL.

Rasmus continued to improve his game. In the 2021–22 season, he had his best year yet. He scored more goals, assists, and points than ever before. His great play earned him a spot in the 2022 NHL All-Star Game.

He started the 2022–23 season by setting an NHL record. He scored a goal in four straight opening games as a defence player. He was also chosen for his second All-Star Game.

On 26 September 2024, Rasmus Dahlin was named captain of the Buffalo Sabres. This is a big honor for a player.

Playing for Sweden

Rasmus Dahlin has also played for his home country, Sweden.

Medal record
Representing  Sweden
Ice hockey
World Championships
Bronze	2024 Czech Republic

At just 16 years old, Dahlin was the youngest player on the Swedish junior team. He played in the 2017 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He also competed in the 2018 World Junior Ice hockey Championships. There, he helped Sweden win a silver medal. He was named the best defence player in that tournament. After the medal ceremony, he and some teammates removed their silver medals. Because of this, he faced a suspension for the start of the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.

Dahlin also played for the Swedish senior team at the 2018 Winter Olympics. He was the youngest player in the men's hockey tournament that year. In 2024, he helped Sweden win a bronze medal at the 2024 IIHF World Championship.

Awards and Achievements

Rasmus Dahlin has received several awards during his career.