Elliotte Friedman Provides Update on Potential Leafs Trade Target Rasmus Dahlin
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman provided a big update regarding Rasmus Dahlin, as the Sabres defenseman has been linked to the Maple Leafs come summertime.
If the Toronto Maple Leafs wanted to add a big-time, impactful defenseman for their team, and perhaps find the successor to Morgan Rielly, they might wanna try hard to acquire Buffalo's Rasmus Dahlin, as the two parties have recently been linked due to some supposed fallout between Dahlin and the Sabres.
However, a new report from Elliotte Friedman has put a bit of a damper on those rumors, as it looks like Dahlin is wanting to stay put, and GM Kevyn Adams wants to make sure it happens:
I heard Dahlin left that meeting satisfied with what he heard and now they just have to put it into action. I think he did want to go in there and hear, what is the plan? How are we going to get better?
Rasmus Dahlin Not Moving If Buffalo Plans To Improve
It's no surprise that the Sabres have been one of the worst teams, if not the worst over the past decade. Having not made the playoffs since 2011, it's been miserable season after miserable season, and seeing stars like Jack Eichel head out for greener pastures.
But the team isn't exactly terrible. Some great pieces lie in the Sabres lineup, and it's more a plan of bringing in the right fits to help the team grow as a unit.
Tage Thompson, JJ Peterka, Ryan McLeod, Josh Norris, Jack Quinn, Peyton Krebs, and Jiri Kulich are all young or in their prime, and with some experienced veterans and better goaltending, they could make at least a wild card push.
The team does need to move on from Lindy Ruff if they want to win, and while there's nothing against the long-time coach, a new voice is needed.
You could see Rick Tocchet being let go from Vancouver and make his way to Buffalo; he has success with coaching younger players and can make an impact with a different voice and style.
Mike Sullivan could be an interesting option if he gets let go from Pittsburgh, and there are also other coaches on the market like Guy Boucher, or Joel Quenneville; two men out of the NHL but might be enticed back with a new-look roster.
Toronto will have it pretty difficult if they want to acquire him, as not only is it going to cost an exceptional amount in assets and salary, but Dahlin has also made it clear previously that he doesn't want to play there.
But this is the NHL, where you can never say never.
| POLL | ||
MARS 14 | 566 ANSWERS Elliotte Friedman Provides Update on Potential Leafs Trade Target Rasmus Dahlin Should the Maple Leafs try and acquire Rasmus Dahlin? | ||
| Yes | 381 | 67.3 % |
| No | 185 | 32.7 % |
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