Total Season Stats: 4-10-14 in 62 Games
Age: 25
Contract Status: Signed through 2030 – 4.286 Mil Cap Hit
Samuelsson had established himself as the defensive compliment to Dahlin’s offensive game on the top pair in previous seasons. His biggest struggle has been to stay healthy. There was optimism going into this season with Samuelsson receiving an “A” and a new coach preaching defensive responsibilities. However, his season did not go as planned.
The high-level statistics look fine. He set a career high in games played (62), goals (4) and points (14). Anyone who watched him this season knows these do not tell the full story. Samuelsson admitted in his year end press conference that it took longer for the team to adjust to Lindy’s style than they first anticipated. He struggled early on in particular. He was a healthy scratch for three straight games in November before sustaining an injury in his first game back in the lineup. When he returned, he became a lineup regular again and saw some marginally better play.
His season went from underwhelming to a huge disappointment in a single moment of inaction. The Sabres were playing the Devils in early February when Stefan Noesen drove his shoulder into Tage Thompson’s jaw.
The lack of any response to this hit was pathetic and gave off eerie “Lucic hit on Miller” vibes. Samuelsson should have been the one to step up and address the situation. He was the only captain on the ice. The other players on the ice were Kulich, Zucker, and Power who couldn’t realistically be expected to go after Noesen. You would expect your 6’4” 230lb assistant captain would stand up for his star forward after a cheap shot. Samuelsson failed in this moment. If he’s moved this summer, this moment was the nail in the coffin for his time in Buffalo.
Between his regression on the ice and lack of response required of a team leader, Samuelsson’s season goes down as a massive disappointment. His marginally better play in the second half of the season prevents a failing grade but not by much.
Season Grade: D