Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin will replace injured teammate Tage Thompson on the Atlantic Division roster for Saturday’s NHL All-Star Game, the league announced this morning.
Thompson, 25, left Wednesday’s 5-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes after the second period with an upper-body injury and did not return. Coach Don Granato did not have an update following the game.
Of course, Dahlin, 22, is a worthy replacement for Thompson, a center whose 34 goals and 68 points lead the Sabres and rank third and fifth in the NHL, respectively. The Swede, the only defenseman on the Atlantic Division squad, was considered a major snub when he did not earn a spot on the original roster.
Dahlin has already set career highs with 14 goals and 55 points, gaudy numbers that rank second among NHL defensemen. His 41 assists stand third. He also has a league-high 24 power-play points.
Right now, he’s on pace to break Phil Housley’s franchise record for most points (81) in a season by a defenseman.
Dahlin earned his first all-star appearance last season.
