Draft Retrospective: Rasmus Dahlin and trying to go from elite prospect to elite NHL player

Rasmus Dahlin set the bar for draft-eligible defencemen this century. 

Dahlin scored 7 goals and 20 points in 41 regular-season games with Frölunda in the SHL and also played for Sweden at the World Juniors and Olympics during his draft year. Dahlin had all the characteristics one could wish for in a defence prospect.

He moved effortlessly, had handling skill of a high-end forward, and was involved in every possible play in both ends of the ice. Every time he was on the ice you had the feeling something special you could happen. He also broke plays early and regularly, and had the physical make-up NHL front offices could get behind. 

After entering the NHL in 2018–2019, Dahlin has been more of a mixed bag. He's produced at a good clip, currently ranking 13th in points among defencemen since h