Buffalo Sabres captain Rasmus Dahlin has been named the team’s nominee for the 2026 Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy, according to an announcement from the Professional Hockey Writers Association on Apr. 8.
The award is given each year to the National Hockey League player who best demonstrates perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. The winner will be announced later in the spring.
Dahlin’s nomination comes after a challenging year off the ice. His fiancée, Carolina, underwent an emergency heart transplant last summer. During this season, Dahlin traveled twice to Sweden to be with her as she recovered. Carolina recently returned to Buffalo and attended a game against Boston on March 25.
Despite missing four games during these trips, Dahlin has continued his strong performance on the ice with 70 points (18 goals and 52 assists) so far this season. He is close to surpassing his career high of 73 points set three seasons ago. As a first-overall pick in 2018 who remained with Buffalo through difficult years, Dahlin has helped lead the Sabres back into the Stanley Cup Playoffs for their first appearance since 2011.
Two previous Sabres players have won the Masterton Trophy since its introduction in 1968: Don Luce in 1975 and Pat LaFontaine in 1995.
