Dahlin Refutes Assertion Of Wanting Out Of Buffalo

As if the Buffalo Sabres do not have enough drama with the club heading for their 14th consecutive season outside of the playoffs, defenseman Rasmus Dahlin refuted a report from TNT panelist and Spittin Chiclets co-host Paul Bissonette https://x.com/lookathtmango/status/1899519290488832081 that the Sabres team captain met with GM Kevyn Adams and wants out of Buffalo if the club does not improve quickly.

“(Dahlin) said if this doesn’t turn around fast, I’m gonzo,” Bissonette said. “I think he is a world-class defenseman that’s just fed up maybe with the negligence that’s been going on in Buffalo for far too long.”

The 2018 first overall pick is tied for fourth in the NHL in defensive scoring with 51 points, but has not made the playoffs in seven seasons with the Sabres, and has seen teammates Ryan O’Reilly, Jack Eichel, and Sam Reinhart all leave Buffalo and win Stanley Cups, but after practice on Tuesday he refuted the report that he wants to be traded.

“I don’t know what he’s talking about. I have never said I want to out of here. I'm not happy where we're at. I don't want to lose, we have to get better, but I've never said I want to out of here.” Dahlin said on Tuesday after Sabres practice. "I'm pissed off by that. I haven't even mentioned the word leave. So that's just how it is."

Dahlin is in year one of an eight-year, $88 million contract with the Sabres, and it would only be natural for him as the team captain to express a level of frustration regarding the state of the club to management, but the the big blueliner took ownership of his part in the squad’s disappointing play and wanting to be a part of the solution.

"We have to do a lot of stuff. It takes work every day. (Kevyn and I) had a real good discussion. We're very honest with each other. Stuff has to change. That's how it is. I absolutely hate losing. I don't think that's a part of who I want to be, so stuff has to change." Dahlin said. "I haven't played good enough. We haven't won games, so I take responsibility, but (things )have to change……we have to build. We have to get better every single day, each individual has to get better, and we have to play a better team game."