Mattias Samuelsson is making a significant impact for the Buffalo Sabres in his sixth NHL season. Known among teammates by the nickname “Jerry,” Samuelsson has been recognized for both his performance and presence in the locker room. This season, he has emerged as a key player for the Sabres, contributing on both ends of the ice.
Tage Thompson described Samuelsson as “an unbelievable hockey player, really hard to play against, loved by everyone in the room. Great presence in here.” Alex Tuch added, “He’s playing free and loose, and, man, is he playing hard. … He’s a great guy to make us smile, too, so it’s great to have him around.”
Samuelsson shares alternate captain duties with other star forwards but prefers to lead through example rather than words. After previous seasons affected by injuries and inconsistent play, he reports feeling more like himself this year: “Last year there was times where I wasn’t playing well, so I wasn’t having fun at the rink,” said Samuelsson. “Anybody that knows me, I like to joke around and have a good time. So, I would say I feel like myself more, personality-wise. When you’re doing that and enjoy coming to the rink and having fun, I think it’s easy for it to translate into your play.”
His improved health entering this season followed a full summer of training rather than injury rehab. Head coach Lindy Ruff credited this preparation: “When I look at the last 30 games of last year, he was our best defenseman in that segment, too,” Ruff said. “He went and had a great offseason, got himself in unbelievable shape, and I think he’s getting dividends for it.
“He continues to be our best defenseman. He’s a shutdown guy.”
Samuelsson currently holds a plus-nine rating while regularly facing top NHL offensive talent such as Connor Bedard and Auston Matthews. According to Stathletes data referenced by team sources, among defensemen who have played 30 or more minutes against opponents’ top lines this season Samuelsson ranks second with a 64.1-percent expected goals share during those minutes.
Tuch noted about opponents’ reactions: “He’s just hard to play against each and every night for their top guys… I can see they’re getting frustrated out there playing against him.”
Defensively active on special teams as well as even strength shifts, Samuelsson has already blocked 47 shots—ranking him among league leaders—and leads all Sabres defensemen with 28 hits.
Ruff praised his approach: “[He’s] willing to take a significant shot to keep it away from getting at our goaltender… More than anything, I think it’s a mentality of fearlessness.”
On offense Samuelsson has also set career highs; with five goals already this season he boasts one of the highest shooting percentages among blueliners at 20.8 percent.
“We all knew he had it,” Tuch said about Samuelsson’s offensive contributions,“but now it’s every game…he’s getting a couple grade-A (scoring chances).”
Much of his success comes from being paired with Rasmus Dahlin; together they have helped lead Buffalo over opponents during their shared ice time.
Samuelsson explained his increased opportunities: “I think they’re more worried about Ras on the other side of the ice…so maybe that’s why I’m open a fair bit…”
Dahlin praised his partner’s versatility: “He’s big, he can skate, he can shoot, he can pass—he can do it all…”
With continued strong performances across multiple areas of play—including key moments such as an overtime winner against Detroit—Samuelsson remains central to Buffalo’s strategy moving forward.
