5 hockey players who will be your new NHL favorites after the Olympics
By Adam Stocker
1. Rasmus Dahlin — Sweden
Rasmus Dahlin is the youngest player on an Olympic roster at just 17 years old. Dahlin does not turn 18 years old until April and is 22 years younger than the tournament’s oldest player, Russian captain Pavel Datsyuk. Despite the NHL Draft being five months away, Dahlin is already the unanimous first overall pick. Not since the 2007 NHL Draft, when Patrick Kane was selected first overall ahead of James van Riemsdyk has there been such a talent gap between the first-overall pick and second pick. Dahlin will be in the NHL next season, with whichever team is lucky enough to win the NHL Draft Lottery.
NHL scouts view Dahlin as a potential generational talent on the blueline that only comes along once a decade, if that often. Dahlin has the ability to be a dynamic offensive player and a shutdown defender. The Swedish defender combines his strong skating ability with an incredible vision that allows him to pick out teammates with his passing ability. Additionally, Dahlin has a strong shot that is a weapon from the blueline.
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The smooth-skating Dahlin has drawn comparisons to fellow Swedish defensemen Erik Karlsson and Nicklas Lidstrom for his ability to move the puck and anchor the power-play. Dahlin turned pro at 16 years old with Frolunda of the Swedish Hockey League, appearing in 72 games, recording 10 goals and 13 assists.