Dahlin had 74 points (19 goals and 55 assists) last season, which was the sixth-best total among NHL defensemen and a personal best.
The 27-year-old is the captain of Buffalo, which made the playoffs for the first time since the 2010-11 season. They have now reached the quarterfinals and lead the series against Montreal 1–0.
Dahlin could become the fourth Swede to win the award. Nicklas Lidström has won the award seven times, Erik Karlsson three times, and Victor Hedman once.
Cale Makar (Colorado) and Zach Werenski (Columbus) are the other two finalists.
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