Dahlin generating excitement for 2018 NHL Draft, Hedman says

Victor Hedman said the advent of social media has contributed to the excitement of Rasmus Dahlin likely becoming the first Sweden-born player chosen No. 1 in the NHL Draft since the Quebec Nordiques selected Mats Sundin in 1989.
The Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman has a good idea what Dahlin, 18 years old and No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting's final list of International skaters, is going through as the most discussed blue-chip prospect from overseas of the 2018 draft in Dallas.

RELATED: [Complete 2018 NHL Draft coverage\]
The Buffalo Sabres hold the No. 1 pick in the first round at American Airlines Center on June 22 (7:30 p.m. ET; NBCSN, SN, TVAS). Rounds 2-7 are June 23 (11 a.m. ET; NHLN, SN, TVAS).
Hedman experienced the same excitement prior to the 2009 NHL Draft when the Lightning chose him No. 2 after the New York Islanders selected center John Tavares.
"The media attention was there in my draft year, but not as much as what Dahlin is experiencing," Hedman said. "Social media has really exploded the past decade, so it feels like you can read about Rasmus all over the place. It was an eye-opener for me because I had the Swedish, Canadian and American media back home. It was something as a young kid you really enjoyed.
"It was a lot of fun to follow in the footsteps of the Swedish hockey players like Peter Forsberg and Markus Naslund, who were both from my hometown (Ornskoldsvik) and who made it to the NHL."
Dahlin (6-foot-3, 185 pounds), often compared to Hedman, had an unforgettable season. He ranked third among defensemen with 20 points (seven goals, 13 assists) and third among all players in ice time (19:02) for Frolunda in his second season in the Swedish Hockey League.

Dahlin said he was 11 years old the first and only time he met Hedman during a summer hockey camp in Modo (SHL), and recalls how all the kids looked up to him. Hedman played for MODO prior to being drafted.
"He's such a good two-way defender who can play the power play and kill penalties," Dahlin said. "He can play in any situation and is amazing to watch."
Dahlin played and took part in many media scrums in 2017-18, including regular-season and playoff games for Frolunda, and with Sweden in international tournaments.
Hedman was impressed how Dahlin was the youngest player by seven years on Sweden's roster at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
"It's tough not to hear about Dahlin back home," Hedman said. "I know he didn't play much for Sweden at the Olympics but he was amazing for Frolunda and at the world juniors. If you compare it to the [2017 IIHF World Junior Championship], I think he was a more complete player. He played more minutes and he's a smooth skater, always in the right position.
"The few games I've seen him play, he makes the right decisions with the puck and you can tell he's got a really good winning mentality and he won't take no for an answer."
Dahlin won best defenseman at the 2018 WJC with six assists, a plus-7 rating and 25 shots on goal while averaging more than 23 minutes a game for Sweden. Hedman sees one distinct similarity between he and Dahlin.
"He gets frustrated if it doesn't go the team's way and that's how I am," Hedman said. "You want to do well, you want to win games and he's got that attitude that I really like. That's the way he plays and the way he moves on the blue line is just a treat to watch.
"Whoever gets him in the draft is going to be very lucky."
Hedman said Dahlin won't ever forget his NHL Draft experience.

"It's a feeling that goes through your body," Hedman said. "You're obviously nervous sitting in the stands just waiting for it but once my name got called I was super excited and happy. Going to an organization with Steven Stamkos, I knew I'd be able to learn a little from him being a high draft pick and being on a team that just had two straight tough seasons."
The Lightning finished 12th in the Eastern Conference in Hedman's rookie season of 2009-10, but lost in seven games to the Boston Bruins in the conference final the next season.
"In my second year, hockey really started booming in Tampa and now it's just a phenomenal place to play," Hedman said. "It's a hockey town and something I cherish now."
Hedman doesn't doubt that Dahlin could have a similar impact on the Sabres, who haven't qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs the past seven seasons. The best advice he had for his fellow countryman was to enjoy the process.
"He's had all the time in the world to think about the draft since the end of his season, but there's very few people who are given an opportunity to become a high pick like that," Hedman said. "Having that attention on you is one thing, but my message to every kid out there is it's not really in your hands what number you go or who you're going to. All you can do is do your best and play to your highest level and try and get better every day."