Mattias Samuelsson spent two seasons at Western Michigan. ©2020, Ashley Huss, Western Michigan University Athletics

Sabres sign Mattias Samuelsson to entry-level contract

After two seasons at Western Michigan, Buffalo Sabres defense prospect Mattias Samuelsson has turned pro.

Samuelsson, 20, has signed a three-year, entry-level contract, the Sabres announced today. They drafted the American in the second round in 2018, 32nd overall.

The 6-foot-4, 223-pound Samuelsson compiled seven goals, 26 points and 78 penalty minutes in 65 career games at Western Michigan. The COVID-19 pandemic cut short his sophomore season.

“We are very pleased with Mattias’ growth both at Western Michigan and on the international stage,” Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said in a statement. “He possesses a unique combination of size, speed and skill, and we look forward to working with him on his next steps as a pro.”

A high ankle sprain cost Samuelsson the first four games of his sophomore year. Still, he found a groove after he returned, and he compiled two goals, 14 points and a plus-17 rating in 30 games.

Samuelsson, the son of former NHL defenseman Kjell Samuelsson, also captained Team USA’s entry at the World Junior Championship this year. He won a silver medal at the 2019 tournament.

The Sabres also signed Samuelsson’s college teammate, winger Dawson DiPietro, to an entry-level contract Monday.

Samuelsson could be ticketed for the Rochester Americans next season.

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