Rasmus Dahlin is the Buffalo Sabres' best player. It doesn't matter whether you use basic statistics, analytics or the old-school eye test, it's clear the 25-year-old Swede is often forced to carry the team on his shoulders, and he's emerged as one of the NHL's best defensemen in the process.
PAVEL Analytics is the latest outlet to highlight Dahlin's elite talent, giving the three-time All-Star a 96 overall rating in its 2025-26 season preview. On the opposite end of the spectrum is fellow defender Conor Timmins, whose 11 PAVEL rating is the worst on Buffalo's projected roster.