PHOTO: Bildbyrån
First it was rumored that Rasmus Dahlin was ready for the hockey WC.
But then came the sudden announcement that he had declined anyway.
Now the Swedish NHL star tells what really happened.
The last NHL season was a really big success for Rasmus Dahlin who hit a new personal best for the Buffalo Sabres. The 23-year-old managed to reach a whopping 73 points in 78 NHL games and became the sixth best defenseman in the points standings.
Dahlin for the WC
But despite that, the Swedish NHL defender and his Sabers missed the Stanley Cup playoffs again. Therefore, the hope was raised to see Dahlin in the blue-yellow national team uniform for another hockey World Cup.
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There was also information early on that Tre Kronor would receive dream reinforcement in both Elias Pettersson and Rasmus Dahlin. But first it happened with Pettersson because of too expensive insurance and then also the news that Dahlin had actually turned it down.
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“I was hungry”
On Sunday, the star defender visited the NHL studio at Viaplay to tell the truth about the World Cup snob and what actually made him change his mind.
– It is always a great honor to be able to participate in a WC, says Dahlin in the television studio.
– But I have played for a long period with a lot of injuries. So this summer will be very important for me to rehabilitate and get ready to reach a playoff spot next year. I think it’s important because my body needs this time.
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Rasmus Dahlin admits that he was keen and has had a longer contact with Tre Kronor about the hockey World Cup in particular.
– We have had good contact and I have talked to them a lot during the season. I was keen, absolutely. But towards the end of the season it was announced that nothing happened. But I see a bright future for Tre Kronor and it looks very good right now, says the 23-year-old to the television channel.
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Without dream reinforcement from the NHL, Tre Kronor has still done very well and got a dream start at the hockey World Cup. It has been five victories in five matches for Sweden, who are already ready for the World Cup quarter-finals.
– They have a good calm in their game concept and a very good defensive. They play a fun hockey but the defense stands out the most. I think it can be really good, says Dahlin about the Swedish WC team.
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