Sabres GM: Rasmus Dahlin is a defenseman 31 teams want
Jason Botterill knows he's in line to add a prime talent.
The Buffalo Sabres won Saturday's NHL Draft lottery, and can now select Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who's projected to be the consensus top pick.
Related - NHL Draft Prospect Profile: Rasmus Dahlin
As a result, Botterill is now the envy of his colleagues.
"He’s a defenseman 31 teams in the NHL want," Botterill said, per the Sabres' Twitter. "(He has) ability to jump up on the rush, create.
"This is exciting," he added. "For the players too, they want to play with other skilled players. This is a good day. It’s a great feeling. It was nerve-racking at the very end. Just very, very happy for our fans."
Botterill, of course, didn't come right out and say he'll call Dahlin's name.
As for selecting Dahlin, Botterill breaks out laughing and says: "we've got to get you to come to Dallas to find out."
— John Wawrow (@john_wawrow) April 29, 2018
No, he's not saying.
Dahlin recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 41 games for Swedish club Frolunda this season. He also won a silver medal at the World Junior Championship and appeared in two games at the Olympics as a 17-year-old.
The first round of the NHL draft will take place June 22 in Dallas.