The Buffalo Sabres have signed defenseman Mattias Samuelsson to a three-year, entry-level contract. The former second-round, 32nd overall pick from the 2018 NHL draft is coming off two years at Western Michigan. As an alternate captain in his most recent season, Samuelsson registered two goals and 12 assists in 30 games. The sophomore also captained team USA in the World Junior Championships in his second straight year on the U20 club.
Samuelsson, the son of former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kjell Samuelsson, came in at number 17 in our Top 25 Under 25 series last summer. The 6’4’’ defenseman certainly brings the element of size but will need to improve his skating and transition game in order to succeed in the NHL. With a crowded blueline ahead of him, he should have plenty of time to acclimate himself to the pro game in Rochester before taking a run at making the big club.