Buffalo Sabres: The top-10 players under 24, part two

2. Rasmus Dahlin (19), Defenseman, 2018 1st round, 1st overall

The class player of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Rasmus Dahlin is an elite defensive player. As a matter of fact, he’s been labeled as a franchise-caliber defenseman. So far he’s done nothing to disappoint. In his rookie season of 2018-19, Dahlin played in all 82 games, scoring 44 points.

At only 19-years-old, Dahlin may be one of the top skaters in the NHL. The Swede can literally do it all on a pair of blades. He’s fast on his feet almost as if they have jet engines attached. Rasmus Dahlin is agile and can turn on a dime, almost as if he’s got a sixth sense when it comes to danger.

1. Jack Eichel (22), Center, 2015 1st round, 2nd overall

Jack Eichel may go down as one of the best draft consolation prizes in NHL history. He’s been with the team since signing his first professional contract shortly after the 2015 NHL Entry Draft. Maybe Eichel isn’t the man who was drafted number one, Connor McDavid, but Buffalo got a darn good hockey player. As proof, he became the youngest man ever to score a goal in a Sabres uniform.

So far, Eichel has played in 286 of 324 possible regular-season games. He’ll get stronger as he gets older. Hopefully a little more bulk will help his durability. Buffalo needs him to be available every game.

The former four-time medalist for various USA Hockey junior teams has improved every year he’s been in the league. He reached his new high last season with 82 points in 77 games. That total included 26 points on the man advantage.

Eichel is strong both in body and on his skates. He fights for pucks and doesn’t get muscled off of it by bigger players. Additionally, he doesn’t mind getting his nose a little dirty in front. The Massachusetts native has good acceleration, beating defenders on the fly. His hockey IQ is outstanding. At times it seems as if he thinks the game as fast as it unfolds on the ice.

It’s not a coincidence Jack Eichel is now the Buffalo Sabres best player. One day he could be enshrined in the Hall-of-Fame.

Don’t forget to check out part one of the Buffalo Sabres top-10 under 24, here.