Mattias Samuelsson talks this morning. ©2018, Olean Times Herald

Follow along for live NHL Draft updates

DALLAS – With the 32nd pick, the Buffalo Sabres kicked off the second day of the NHL Draft by selecting Mattias Samuelsson, a defenseman with the United States National Development Program.

The 6-foot-4, 218-pound Samuelsson is the son of former NHL defenseman Kjell Samuelsson.

“I’m really shaking, I’m so happy,” Samuelsson said inside American Airlines Center. “Buffalo’s like a world-class organization.”

Samuelsson plans to play at Western Michigan University next season.

Update: With the 94th pick, the Sabres started the fourth round by taking Matej Pekar, a forward with the junior Muskegon Lumberjacks.

The 6-foot, 170-pound Czech was named the United States Hockey League’s rookie of the year in 2017-18, compiling 14 goals and 54 points in 56 games.

“I saw the opportunity that I could get better exposure, face some better competition and just try to make it,” Pekar said of coming to North America.

Pekar plans to play at Miami University next season.

Update: With the 117th pick, the Sabres selected Linus Lindstrand Kronholm, a defenseman with the Malmo Redhawks, an under-20 junior team.

The 6-foot-1, 172-pound Swede compiled six assists in 37 games last season.

Update: With the 125th pick, the Sabres kicked off the fifth round by taking Miska Kukkonen, a defenseman with Ilves, an under-20 junior team.

The 6-foot, 183-pound Finn compiled two goals and four points in 12 games last season.

Update: The Sabres traded the 156th pick to Toronto for the Maple Leafs’ 2019 sixth-rounder.

Update: With the 187th pick, the Sabres closed the draft by taking William Worge Kreü, a defenseman with Linköping, an under-20 junior team.

The 6-foot-6, 181-pound Swede had three goals and 14 points in 38 games last season.

Check back soon for more updates!

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