Sabres Captain Dahlin Leaves Panthers Game With Upper-Body Issue
Buffalo captain Rasmus Dahlin left Monday's matinee against Florida in the second period due to an upper-body injury. He entered the game with three points in four contests after a 2025-26 season in which he helped Buffalo reach the playoffs and finished third in Norris Trophy voting. The Sabres were 2-3-0 before Monday and face a three-game divisional road trip in Canada.
Dahlin, a 26-year-old defenseman and Buffalo’s captain, left Monday’s afternoon game against Florida in the second period with an upper-body injury. He entered the matchup with three points in four games this season.
Last year, he helped the Sabres reach the playoffs for the first time since 2012 and finished third in Norris Trophy voting, his career-best result. He totaled 74 points (19 goals, 55 assists) in 77 games, then 14 points in 13 postseason appearances. Buffalo was 2-3-0 before Monday and now heads to Canada for three divisional road games.
The injury could affect Sabres players, coaches, and fans, especially if Dahlin misses time during a divisional stretch. It may alter Buffalo’s early-season momentum and playoff hopes, while giving other defensemen larger roles. For supporters in Buffalo, the uncertainty could add anxiety to a season that began with heightened expectations after last year’s playoff run.