Rasmus Dahlin Takes the Reins for Team Sweden, Sabres Prospects Making Moves Across the Globe
If there was still any doubt about who’s leading the charge for Team Sweden these days, Rasmus Dahlin just answered it with authority. In Sweden’s first two games of international play, the Buffalo Sabres captain has looked every bit the centerpiece of Tre Kronor’s blue line. He’s not just stepping into a bigger role-he’s owning it.
Against Italy, Dahlin was a force, dishing out two assists in a 5-2 win. Then came the matchup with archrival Finland, where Sweden fell 4-1-but Dahlin stood out once again.
He scored the team’s only goal, led all Swedish skaters with seven shots on goal, and logged nearly 22 minutes of ice time. That’s the kind of two-way impact you expect from a top defenseman, and Dahlin is delivering it on the international stage.
Sweden and Finland both sit at 1-1 in group play, trailing an unbeaten Slovakia squad. The Swedes will face the Slovaks in what’s shaping up to be a pivotal group-stage finale on Saturday.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Tage Thompson and Team USA are gearing up for a weekend doubleheader-first against Denmark, then against Germany, which features former Sabres forward JJ Peterka. Over with Team Canada, Sam Reinhart logged 13:21 in a 5-1 win over Switzerland, showing his usual versatility.
In Finland’s win over Sweden, former Buffalo defenseman Rasmus Ristolainen posted a +3 rating in nearly 20 minutes of action, while Joel Armia came up big with a short-handed goal late in the second period. Henri Jokiharju, however, saw limited ice time-just 2:12 in the contest.
Six Former Sabres, New Homes
The Sabres' alumni network continues to grow, with six former players recently signing elsewhere. While their Buffalo days may be in the rearview, many are still contributing at high levels across the league and internationally.
2023 Draft Class: Where Are They Now?
Let’s take a closer look at how some of the Sabres’ 2023 draft picks are progressing-because development doesn’t stop once the draft card is turned in.
Anton Wahlberg - C - 39th overall
Wahlberg made the jump to North America at the tail end of the 2024 season and got a taste of the Calder Cup Playoffs with Rochester. It wasn’t a smooth postseason-he went pointless in six games after recovering from an illness-but the big-bodied forward (6’4”, 198 lbs.) showed enough during the regular season to warrant optimism.
He tallied 30 points (11G, 19A) in 63 games last year. This season, his offensive numbers have dipped slightly (6 goals, 17 assists in 43 games), but he’s making up for it on the defensive end, leading the Amerks with a +14 rating.
That’s a sign of maturity in his two-way game.
Maxim Strbak - D - 45th overall
Strbak has been a steady riser in the pipeline. The right-shot defenseman has represented Slovakia in four World Juniors and is now in his junior year at Michigan State.
He hit a personal best last season with 19 points (3 goals, 16 assists) in 33 games, and he’s keeping pace this year with 15 points (2 goals, 13 assists) in 28 games. Even more impressive?
His plus/minus has climbed to +17, pointing to his growing reliability in all three zones. At 20 years old, Strbak’s size, poise, and international experience make him a name to watch.
Gavin McCarthy - D - 86th overall
McCarthy’s story is a local one-he grew up in Western New York and played for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres before heading to the USHL and eventually Boston University.
As a freshman, he helped the Terriers reach the Frozen Four. Now a sophomore, the 6’2”, 188 lb. blueliner is putting together another solid season.
He’s got 14 points (2 goals, 12 assists) in 29 games and continues to develop as a dependable right-handed option on the back end. His blend of size, skating, and hockey IQ makes him an intriguing long-term piece.
From Dahlin’s emergence as Sweden’s go-to guy to the steady development of the Sabres’ next wave of talent, the organization’s present and future are both on display this week. Whether it’s international play or NCAA action, Buffalo fans have plenty of reasons to keep a close eye on what’s unfolding beyond the NHL.