Rasmus Dahlin has returned to the Buffalo Sabres after missing three games due to personal reasons. The team captain rejoined his teammates during Saturday’s morning skate at Little Caesars Arena and will be back in the lineup against the Detroit Red Wings.
Dahlin traveled to Sweden to support his fiancée, Carolina, who recently underwent an emergency heart transplant. He reported that she is recovering well. “She’s an absolute warrior,” Dahlin said. “It’s so fun to see her every day: she grinds every day, and she gets better every day – that’s the most important. Wow, she’s inspired me and a lot of people, that’s for sure.”
He added: “… I feel way better now, mentally, and I’m in a good spot, so I’m here to help the team.”
Dahlin has contributed nine points (one goal and eight assists) in 14 games this season. During his absence, the Sabres lost all three games played. Historically, the team has struggled without him; since last December they have not won any of their 12 games without Dahlin in the lineup.
“I want to really, really thank everybody around here, especially Terry (Pegula), Lindy (Ruff) and Kevyn (Adams), for understanding my situation and letting me go,” Dahlin said. “It hasn’t been easy to be away from the team – that doesn’t feel great – but they’ve been super supportive. Every single guy in there has supported me, and it means a lot for me and my family. And now, back to work. I’m excited to come back and battle and get some wins.”
Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff commented on Dahlin’s return: “I think anytime you get your captain back, it’s a jolt for the team, and I think everybody was excited to see him.”
Dahlin expects to play his usual minutes—he currently averages 24 minutes and 27 seconds per game this season—after practicing with Frolunda in Gothenburg during his time away.
The Sabres are still dealing with injuries among their forwards as Josh Norris (upper body), Jason Zucker (illness), Zach Benson (lower body), Jiri Kulich (blood clot), and Justin Danforth (lower body) remain unavailable.
Despite these challenges—and being winless on the road so far this season—the Sabres aim to improve their standing as they sit last in the Eastern Conference with 14 points.
“A lot of changes in the lineup; I mean, I don’t think the power play has been the same one game since 10 games ago,” Dahlin said. “So, a lot of changes, but I can’t stand here and give excuses. The team we have, we should win way more than we do right now.
“… We’ve just got to find a way to get the wins on the road. It starts today.”
