Fansided

Congratulations, Sabres fans, you finally won something during the playoffs

By David Rouben

BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 17: Buffalo Sabres fans cheer during an NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings on February 17, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption ***
BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 17: Buffalo Sabres fans cheer during an NHL game against the Los Angeles Kings on February 17, 2018 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /
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The Buffalo Sabres won the right to draft Rasmus Dahlin first overall at the NHL Draft. Here’s why he will be an immediate impact player.

The lottery for the 2018 NHL Draft was one of the more highly anticipated ones in recent memory. While center is still the most coveted position for a rebuilding team, defensemen are just as important and Rasmus Dahlin has all the tools to be a franchise cornerstone.

Dahlin has gotten plenty of comparisons to Erik Karlsson, and not just because he’s a Swedish defenseman. In his first full season with the senior Frolunda team in the SHL, he put up 20 points in 41 games then five points in six games in the World Juniors. He was so highly coveted that he was invited to play for Sweden in the Olympic Games. That would’ve been a meaningful platform for him to showcase his talents to a worldwide audience, but his coach played him sparingly.

But with the Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens and Buffalo Sabres all landing in the top 3 of the draft lottery, Dahlin figured to be a key piece for whoever landed the first overall pick. And with the Sabres winning the lottery, their fanbase should be rejoicing in the streets.

The Sabres have fallen on hard luck in recent years. It feels like they’ve been rebuilding since 2008, but the silver lining is that they’ve gotten the chance to refill their prospect cupboard. Even though they narrowly missed on Connor McDavid, they have a promising crop of young forwards that’s headlined by Jack Eichel and includes Casey Middlestadt and Alex Nylander.

Defense was their biggest area of concern, so in winning this year’s lottery, their prayers have been answered. Rasmus Ristolainen is their most promising piece on the blue line, but outside of him, it’s littered with guys that belong in the AHL. Dahlin won’t immediately turn them into an upper-echelon defensive team, but he gives them a solid piece to build around.

Next: Each NHL Team's Biggest 'What if

If the Sabres can get a goalie through the trade market or free agency, they could be a team to watch in the 2018-19 season.

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