Rasmus Dahlin Speculation Gets 'False Alarm' Update From NHL Insider

The controversy began on Tuesday when Bissonnette claimed on his podcast that Dahlin had told Sabres GM Kevyn Adams he would request a trade if the team did not improve soon.

Bissonnette later defended his comments, insisting he was only repeating what he had heard in an interview with NHL insider Jeff Marek.

Dahlin was quick to shut down the speculation, making a public denial on Tuesday. 

“I have never said I want out of here,” Dahlin said in a statement released by the Sabres. “I’m not happy with where we’re at, I don’t want to lose. We have to get better. 

”I’ve never said I want out of here; I thought that was pretty clear.”

Despite Buffalo’s struggles this season,  with the franchise about to miss the playoffs for a record 14th consecutive campaign, Dahlin remains a key part of the franchise’s long-term plans and has 51 points in 56 games this season.

The Sabres named Dahlin their team captain in September after signing the blueliner to an eight-year, $88 million contract in Oct. 2023.

While Seravalli made it clear that Dahlin was not among the players involved in trade discussions of late, he speculated that might change if the results don't improve quickly.

“I’ve heard Owen Power, JJ Peterka, and Dylan Cozens,” Seravalli said. “That being said, I do think there’s a huge majority of this roster that’s unhappy with the spot that they’re in and doesn’t see a clear direction.”