Former 1st overall pick reportedly displeased with Sabres over contract negotiations

PUBLICATION

Mike Armenti
September 15, 2023 (11:42)

SHARE THIS STORY

In recent weeks, we had received word that a deal between the Buffalo Sabres and 2018 1st overall pick Rasmus Dahlin might be close. In the report, it was suggested that his AAV could fall in the $10.5M range. However, here we are, well after the fact, and no contract has been signed. According to the most recent report on the subject, Dahlin is not happy about it.

Andrew Peters, former NHLer and co-host of the After The Whistle podcast, reported on Thursday that Dahlin and the Sabres remain far apart on term and that Dahlin is bothered by the situation. Peters revealed that Dahlin is believed to be pushing for a deal in the 5-year range, while the team prefers to lock him up for 8 seasons.

Obviously, it's tough not to look at the Auston Matthews situation in Toronto and attribute a lot of this to Matthews' trend-breaking 4-year deal. Typically, teams like to get their superstars locked up for 8 years if they're committing big dollars to the player. However, the Leafs and Matthews have gone 5 years and 4 years in back-to-back deals. With Dahlin being a superstar in his own right, perhaps he likes the idea of signing shorter term now in an attempt to maximize his career earnings.

Dahlin set a new career high in goals, assists and points this past season, racking up 15 goals, 58 assists and 73 points in 78 games. He also racked up 92 penalty minutes and was a plus-12 on a non-playoff team.

With Dahlin reportedly not responding well to Buffalo's push for a max-term deal, it's really anyone's guess whether both sides can come to terms before the season begins or not. Dahlin still has one year remaining on his current deal, which carries a $6M cap hit. He'll be a restricted free agent next summer if no agreement can be reached and he will have both arbitration rights and the ability to sign an offer sheet. This one is a situation to keep an eye on.

Apparently Rasmus Dahlin wants a 5yr deal and Sabres holding strong at 8.

he's not happy it's not done.

So I've been told.� Andrew Peters (@TheInstigator76) September 14, 2023

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

Evidence surfaces about Mike Babcock source claims he could be fired

Insider reports new teams interested in signing Phil Kessel

Referee has to hide himself in dressing room, calls police over feared assault

POLL
SEPTEMBRE 15 \| 171 ANSWERS Former 1st overall pick reportedly displeased with Sabres over contract negotiations Will Dahlin sign an eight-year extension with Buffalo?
Yes	78	45.6 %
No, he'll sign for shorter term	80	46.8 %
See Results	13	7.6 %
List of polls

Former 1st overall pick reportedly displeased with Sabres over contract negotiations

Will Dahlin sign an eight-year extension with Buffalo?