Dahlin was one of the worst defenders in the NHL from 2020-2022. Yes coaching was a significant factor, but let’s not pretend Dahlin was this good defender since he stepped into the league.
His defensive game still has a lot left to be desired. He had a very weak 2nd half to last season and regressed to career norms. I’d have to see at least another season of relatively good defensive play before he’s up there with the likes of Makar/Josi/Hedman etc.
I wouldn’t put him above McAvoy or Hughes. McAvoy is one of the best two way defenseman in the game and has elite hockey sense and IQ that is far more higher than Dahlin’s. Hughes has shown despite that awful year during the bubble year, that he’s able to carry his defensive partners and be a positive contributor on a bottom 5 defensive core, while also being near PPG, averaging about 25-28 minutes a night, while tasked with the most difficult match ups.
