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.
