Buffalo, NY (WBEN) A Buffalo Sabre is up for an NHL honor. Rasmus Dahlin is a finalist for the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman.
Dahlin's 74 points (19 goals, 55 assists) in 77 games was sixth best among defensemen and were a career high. He led the Buffalo Sabres in even-strength goals (13), even-strength points (52), power-play goals (six), power-play points (22) and ice time per game (24:11). The 27-year-old captain led the team in takeaways (32), was second with 67 hits and fifth with 79 blocked shots.
He helped the Sabres to a 50-23-9 record and 109 points, their most wins and points since the 2006-07 season. Buffalo won its first division title since 2009-10 and earned its first playoff berth since 2010-11.
A first-time Norris finalist, Dahlin would be the first Sabres player to win the award. He was also named a finalist for the Masterton Trophy, awarded for perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey, on Monday.
Dahlin will be up against Colorado's Cole Makar and Columbus' Zach Werenski.
The winner will be announced at a later date.
