There was little question throughout the 2017-18 season that Dahlin would be the top prospect available in the 2018 NHL Draft. His skating, puck handling, vision, hockey intelligence and shot reminded scouts of Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman, two other Sweden-born defensemen who've gone on to make an impact in the NHL.
The Buffalo Sabres made him the first player born in Sweden to be selected No. 1 in the draft since Hall of Fame forward Mats Sundin in 1989.
There was little question throughout the 2017-18 season that Dahlin would be the top prospect available in the 2018 NHL Draft. His skating, puck handling, vision, hockey intelligence and shot reminded scouts of Erik Karlsson and Victor Hedman, two other Sweden-born defensemen who've gone on to make an impact in the NHL.
The Buffalo Sabres made him the first player born in Sweden to be selected No. 1 in the draft since Hall of Fame forward Mats Sundin in 1989.
Dahlin made his NHL debut against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 4, 2018, and scored his first NHL goal nine days later against the Arizona Coyotes. He became the fourth-fastest defenseman in NHL history to reach 20 points as an 18-year-old when he scored against the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 22, 2018; the only players to do it faster are Aaron Ekblad of the Florida Panthers (34 games) and two Hockey Hall of Famers -- Ray Bourque (30) and Phil Housley, now Dahlin's coach (28).
