Sabres’ Dahlin denies report he wants to be traded

The Buffalo Sabres and Rasmus Dahlin went on the offensive Tuesday after a report circulated that the team captain might want a change of address.

On the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast, Paul Bissonnette said: “I don’t dig for this information. It’s given to me by the people who really matter and who move the needle as far as the insiders. But apparently, Dahlin met with (GM) Kevyn Adams and said that, ‘If this doesn’t turn around fast, I’m ‘gonezos.’”

When meeting with local reporters Tuesday, the dynamic defenceman insisted there was no substance to the report.

“I want to be moved? I don’t know what he’s talking about,” Dahlin said, per Mike Harrington of the Buffalo News. “I have never said I want out of here. I’m not happy 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.”

The Sabres posted a tweet with Dahlin’s comments shortly after he spoke to reporters.

The Sabres are on their way to missing the playoffs for the 14th season in a row, the longest active streak in the NHL. They currently sit last in the Eastern Conference standings.

Dahlin, the first-overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, was named Sabres captain prior to this season and is considered one of the more dangerous blue-liners in the league.

Dahlin has 11 goals and 40 assists for 51 points in 55 games this season. The Swedish native started an eight-year, $88-million contract extension with the Sabres this season.

While Dahlin, 24, clearly doesn’t enjoy losing, he stressed he wants to be part of the solution in Buffalo.

“That bugs me, actually. I get pissed off by that,” Dahlin said of the report. “I haven’t even mentioned the word ‘leave.’ So, yeah, that’s just how it is.”