Mattias Samuelsson
{{Short description|American ice hockey player (born 2000)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{Infobox ice hockey player
| name = Mattias Samuelsson
| image = {{CSS image crop |Image=Lillehammer 2016 Finale Hockey hommes (24903547960).jpg |bSize=800 |cWidth=230 |cHeight=270 |oTop=0 |oLeft=500 |Location=center}}
| image_size = 230px
| caption = Samuelsson at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|2000|3|14}}
| birth_place = Voorhees, New Jersey, U.S.
| height_ft = 6
| height_in = 4
| weight_lb = 224
| position = Defense
| shoots = Left
| league = NHL
| team = Buffalo Sabres
| prospect_team =
| prospect_league = AHL
| draft = 32nd overall
| draft_year = 2018
| draft_team = Buffalo Sabres
| career_start = 2021
| career_end =
}}
Mattias Samuelsson (born March 14, 2000) is a Swedish-American professional ice hockey defenseman and alternate captain for the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). He played collegiately at Western Michigan University.
Playing career
=Junior=
Samuelsson was drafted by the Sarnia Sting in the fourth round of the 2016 Ontario Hockey League draft, but chose not to play there.{{cite web|url=https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/nhl/flyers/2018/06/19/no-more-holding-back-nhl-legacy-mattias-samuelsson/714233002/|title=No more holding back for NHL legacy Mattias Samuelsson|website=Courier-Post|first=Dave|last=Isaac|date=June 19, 2018|access-date=March 25, 2020}}
=College=
After originally committing to the University of Michigan, Samuelsson de-committed and went to Western Michigan University instead.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nhl/news/nhl-draft-2018-defenseman-mattias-samuelsson-father-kjell-flyers-son-prospect-first-second-round-projection/1x173ppktnpru1hrqywxwakqga|title=NHL Draft 2018: Big defenseman Mattias Samuelsson follows in father's footsteps|first=Dhiren|last=Mahiban|website=Sporting News|date=June 22, 2018|access-date=March 25, 2020}} He played two seasons at Western Michigan, where he recorded seven goals and 19 assists.{{cite web|url=https://wmubroncos.com/news/2020/3/25/mens-ice-hockey-mattias-samuelsson-signs-with-the-buffalo-sabres.aspx|title=Mattias Samuelsson Signs with the Buffalo Sabres|website=WMUBroncos.com|date=March 25, 2020|access-date=March 25, 2020}} He was an alternate captain for the team in his sophomore year, despite being the youngest player on the team.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-development-camp-mattias-samuelsson/c-308107814|title=Samuelsson led by example as a freshman|first=Jourdon|last=LaBarbour|website=Buffalo Sabres|date=June 28, 2019|access-date=March 26, 2020}}
=Professional=
Samuelsson was drafted in the second round, 32nd overall, by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2018 NHL entry draft.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/flyers/mattias-samuelsson-buffalo-sabres-philadelphia-flyers-kjell-samuelsson-2018-nhl-draft|title=From Voorhees to Sabres, Mattias Samuelsson continues family's NHL tradition|website=NBC Sports|first=Tom|last=Dougherty|date=June 23, 2018|access-date=March 25, 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/mattias-samuelsson-learning-how-to-be-a-consistent-physical-presence-for-sabres/article_369bd096-973c-11ec-98ea-b395fd59f0e5.html|title=Mattias Samuelsson learning how to be a consistent physical presence for Sabres|date=February 26, 2022|agency=The Buffalo News|author=Lysowski, Lance|access-date=February 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226225519/https://buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/mattias-samuelsson-learning-how-to-be-a-consistent-physical-presence-for-sabres/article_369bd096-973c-11ec-98ea-b395fd59f0e5.html|archive-date=February 26, 2022}} He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Sabres on March 25, 2020.{{cite web |last1=LaBarber |first1=Jourdon |title=Sabres, Samuelsson agree to 3-year deal |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-mattias-samuelsson-contact-316281400 |website=NHL.com |access-date=February 6, 2024 |date=March 25, 2020}}
Samuelsson made his NHL debut with the Sabres on April 18, 2021, in a 4–2 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins.{{cite web|url=https://wmubroncos.com/news/2021/4/19/mens-ice-hockey-mattias-samuelsson-makes-nhl-debut.aspx|title=Mattias Samuelsson Makes NHL Debut|website=WMUBroncos.com|date=April 19, 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/mike-harrington-mattias-samuelssons-solo-lap-a-start-of-big-day-for-sabres-prospect/article_54b67170-a076-11eb-90ae-a3d9873bf67b.html|title=Mattias Samuelsson's solo lap a start of big day for Sabres prospect|date=April 18, 2021|agency=The Buffalo News|author=Harrington, Mike|access-date=February 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210419103031/https://buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/mike-harrington-mattias-samuelssons-solo-lap-a-start-of-big-day-for-sabres-prospect/article_54b67170-a076-11eb-90ae-a3d9873bf67b.html|archive-date=April 19, 2021}}
On October 12, 2022, he was signed to a seven-year, $30 million contract extension.{{cite web |last1=LaBarber |first1=Jourdon |title=Sabres sign Samuelsson to 7-year contract extension |url=https://www.nhl.com/sabres/news/buffalo-sabres-sign-defenseman-mattias-samuelsson-seven-year-contract-336273468 |website=NHL.com |access-date=February 6, 2024 |date=October 12, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/mattias-samuelsson-signs-deal-with-buffalo/c-336275078|publisher=NHL.com|title=Samuelsson signs seven-year, $30 million contract with Sabres|date=October 12, 2022|access-date=April 8, 2022}} Samuelsson scored his first NHL goal on November 30, in a 5–4 shootout win over the Detroit Red Wings.{{cite web |title=Sabres withstand Red Wings' rally, win 5-4 in shootout |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/recap?gameId=401458951 |website=ESPN |access-date=February 6, 2024 |date=November 30, 2022}}
On February 4, 2024, Samuelsson was ruled out for the rest of the 2023–24 season due to an injury sustained in a January 23 game against the Anaheim Ducks. During the season he recorded one goal and six assists for seven points in 41 games.{{cite web |last1=Engel |first1=Heather |title=Samuelsson out for season, Quinn 6-8 weeks for Sabres |url=https://www.nhl.com/news/buffalo-sabres-mattias-samuelsson-injury-status-out-for-season |website=NHL.com |access-date=February 6, 2024 |date=February 4, 2024}}{{cite web |title=Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson to miss rest of season |url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/39459779/sabres-defenseman-mattias-samuelsson-miss-rest-season |website=ESPN.com |access-date=February 6, 2024 |date=February 4, 2024}}
International play
In 2016, at the second 2016 Winter Youth Olympics, Samuelsson captained team USA and won gold in the boys' tournament.{{cite web|url=https://teamusa.usahockey.com/news_article/show/911577|title=Lasting Legacy: Alumni of 2016 Youth Olympic Games Starring at U18 Worlds|last=Tranchina|first=John|date=April 25, 2018|accessdate=April 14, 2025|website=USAHockey.com}} Samuelsson played three seasons with the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. He was part of the team that won the silver medal at the 2019 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/28952783/sabres-agree-sign-prospect-defenseman-mattias-samuelsson|title=Sabres agree to sign prospect defenseman Mattias Samuelsson|website=ESPN|date=March 25, 2020|access-date=March 25, 2020}} and was captain of the team at the 2020 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships.{{cite web|url=https://www.courierpostonline.com/story/sports/nhl/2020/03/25/voorhees-mattias-samuelsson-turns-pro-buffalo-sabres/5078628002/|title=Voorhees' Mattias Samuelsson turns pro with Buffalo Sabres|first=Dave|last=Isaac|website=Courier-Post|date=March 25, 2020|access-date=March 25, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://wmubroncos.com/news/2019/12/24/mens-ice-hockey-samuelsson-to-captain-usa-at-world-junior-championship.aspx|title=Samuelsson to Captain USA at World Junior Championship|website=WMUBroncos.com|date=December 24, 2019|access-date=March 25, 2020}}
Personal life
Samuelsson's father, Kjell, played 14 seasons as an NHL defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/mattias-samuelsson-physical-style-similar-to-father-kjell/c-299436654|title=Samuelsson develops physical style for Sabres similar to father Kjell|website=NHL.com|first=Joe|last=Yerdon|date=July 10, 2018|access-date=March 25, 2020}}{{cite news|url=https://buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/sabres-mattias-samuelsson-using-lessons-from-his-father-to-continue-nhl-dream/article_7bacb3ae-a9c0-11eb-a06c-979d6e420002.html|title=Sabres' Mattias Samuelsson using lessons from his father to continue NHL dream|date=April 30, 2021|agency=The Buffalo News|author=Lysowski, Lance|access-date=February 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210501022421/https://buffalonews.com/sports/sabres/sabres-mattias-samuelsson-using-lessons-from-his-father-to-continue-nhl-dream/article_7bacb3ae-a9c0-11eb-a06c-979d6e420002.html|archive-date=May 1, 2021}} His mother Vicki is a Pennsylvania native.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ritterhomesonline.com/blog/ritter-team/team-member-spotlight/vicki-samuelsson|title = Team Member Spotlight: Vicki Samuelson| date=November 5, 2019}}
Samuelsson grew up modeling his game after that of longtime NHL defensemen Mattias Ekholm and Victor Hedman.{{cite web|url=https://www.nhl.com/news/mattias-samuelsson-using-size-pedigree-to-develop-into-2018-nhl-draft-top-prospect/c-295882384|title=Samuelsson using size, pedigree to develop into top prospect|first=Adam|last=Kimelman|website=NHL.com|date=February 15, 2018|access-date=March 25, 2020}}
Career statistics
=Regular season and playoffs=
| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="text-align:center; width:60em;" | ||||||||
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="5"|Regular season ! rowspan="99" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! colspan="5"|Playoffs | ||||||||
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! Season ! Team ! League ! GP !! G !! A !! Pts !! PIM | ||||||||
| 2015–16
| USHS | 47 | 14 | 15 | 29 | 18
| — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2016–17 | U.S. National Development Team | USHL | 30 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 26
| — | — | — | — | — |
| 2017–18
| U.S. National Development Team | USHL | 23 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 64
| — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2018–19 | NCHC | 35 | 5 | 7 | 12 | 37
| — | — | — | — | — |
| 2019–20
| Western Michigan University | NCHC | 30 | 2 | 12 | 14 | 41
| — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2020–21 | AHL | 23 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 12
| — | — | — | — | — |
| 2020–21
| NHL | 12 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4
| — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2021–22 | Rochester Americans | AHL | 22 | 2 | 13 | 15 | 16
| — | — | — | — | — |
| 2021–22
| Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 42 | 0 | 10 | 10 | 16
| — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2022–23 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 55 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 20
| — | — | — | — | — |
| 2023–24
| Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 41 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 26
| — | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2024–25 | Buffalo Sabres | NHL | 62 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 22
|— | — | — | — | — |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="3" |NHL totals ! 212 !! 7 !! 36 !! 43 !! 88 ! — !! — !! — !! — !! — |
=International=
{{MedalTableTop|name=}}
{{MedalCountry|{{ihj|USA}}}}
{{MedalSport|Ice hockey}}
{{MedalCompetition|Winter Youth Olympics}}
{{MedalGold|2016 Lillehammer|}}
{{MedalCompetition|World Junior Championships}}
{{MedalSilver|2019 Canada|}}
{{MedalCompetition|World U18 Championships}}
{{MedalSilver|2018 Russia|}}
{{MedalBottom}}
| border="0" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" ID="Table3" style="text-align:center; width:40em;" | ||||
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! Year ! Team ! Event ! Result ! rowspan="100" bgcolor="#ffffff"| ! GP !! G !! A !! Pts !! PIM | ||||
| 2016
| YOG |{{gold1}} | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2018 | United States | U18 | {{silver2}} | 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 |
| 2019
| United States | WJC | {{silver2}} | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| bgcolor="#f0f0f0"
| 2020 | United States | WJC | 6th | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| bgcolor="#e0e0e0"
! colspan="4"|Junior totals ! 25 !! 1 !! 2 !! 3 !! 12 |
Awards and honors
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Ice hockey stats |hr=s/samuema02}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Samuelsson, Mattias}}
Category:American men's ice hockey defensemen
Category:American people of Swedish descent
Category:Buffalo Sabres draft picks
Category:Buffalo Sabres players
Category:Ice hockey players at the 2016 Winter Youth Olympics
Category:Ice hockey players from New Jersey
Category:Rochester Americans players
Category:Sportspeople from Voorhees Township, New Jersey
Category:USA Hockey National Team Development Program players
Category:Western Michigan Broncos men's ice hockey players