The Buffalo Sabres signed defence prospect Mattias Samuelsson to a three-year contract, carrying him through the 2022-23 NHL season. Financial details are unconfirmed at this time, however, the maximum for an entry-level deal for this term is a $2.775 million contract with an average annual value of $925,000
We have agreed to terms with Mattias Samuelsson on a three-year, entry-level contract.
Details: https://t.co/vnzwFpGPLo pic.twitter.com/X1oC0fgVsL
— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) March 25, 2020
Mattias Samuelsson Signs With the Buffalo Sabres
Samuelsson has yet to play an NHL game as this is his first contract, instead spending the past two seasons at Western Michigan University. There, he put up seven goals and 19 assists for 26 career points in 65 career games. He was originally drafted in the second round, 32nd overall of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Sabres.
Last season he scored two goals and 12 assists for 14 points. He also added 41 minutes in penalties.
What This Means for the Future
Samuelsson was a high draft pick for the organization, as he was the first player chosen in the second round in 2018. The son of former NHL defenceman Kjell Samuelsson, the 20-year-old now looks to make an impact at the NHL level. That chance might not come next season, but Samuelsson still looks like a possible impact player down the road.
Mattias, like his father Kjell, is a large specimen, listed at 6′ 4″ and 217 lbs. Although he plays a physical game, he has much more offensive upside than his father ever did. Samuelsson, in the future, could certainly end up breaking into a top-four role for the organization. While he’s not expected to be a game-breaker, the Sabres already have that sort of piece in Rasmus Dahlin. Samuelsson can be seen as an eventual successor to Rasmus Ristolainen, however, if he isn’t traded before Samuelsson can break into the lineup.
Main Photo:
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