In his first season in the NHL he played 77 games and scored 32 goals and 71 points, tying a club record for points by a rookie that was set by countryman and teammate Mats Näslund and also setting a club rookie goals record. His point total made him the top scoring rookie that season but an outstanding season by first-year defenceman Gary Suter kept Dahlin from capturing the rookie of the year honors, though he was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team. Despite his scoring ways during the regular season, Dahlin was held to just two goals and five points in the playoffs, while the Canadiens went on to win the Stanley Cup in 1986.