It appears there was no blockbuster trade sending Sabres star Rasmus Dahlin to the Utah Hockey Club—despite recent buzz, multiple credible reports confirm it’s simply not true.
Fact Check: Did Dahlin Really Land in Utah?
- Former NHLer Paul Bissonnette claimed on the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast that Dahlin met with Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams and threatened to request a trade if the team didn’t improve.
- Dahlin has unequivocally denied the report, stating:
“I don’t know what he’s talking about. I have never said I want out of here. I’m not happy with where we’re at… I never said I want out of here.”
- Dahlin has also reaffirmed his commitment to Buffalo, expressing frustration over losing but noting his desire to remain part of the team’s turnaround.
- An NHL insider clarified that while a meeting with GM Kevyn Adams did take place, it was a discussion—not an ultimatum—and Dahlin left feeling satisfied with the team’s direction.
Dahlin’s Standing with the Sabres
- Dahlin signed an eight-year, $88 million extension in October 2023, making him one of the highest-paid defensemen in the NHL and a central piece of Buffalo’s long-term plan.
- He was named team captain in September 2024, succeeding Kyle Okposo, and has consistently emphasized his role as a leader on and off the ice.
❌ Why the Utah Trade Story Isn’t Real
- No credible sources report a replay-worthy trade involving Dahlin to the Utah Hockey Club.
- The Utah Mammoth did execute a blockbuster trade with Buffalo—but that involved forward J.J. Peterka, not Dahlin. Peterka was traded to Utah and then signed a $38.5 million extension. Buffalo received Josh Doan and Michael Kesselring in return.
- Reddit speculation about Dahlin being traded is ongoing, but fans and insiders consistently bias toward the idea that Dahlin is not moving—at least anytime soon.
