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Buffalo Sabres: 5 young defensemen taking over NHL

By Sion Fawkes

Mar 4, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) looks to make a pass during the second period against the Minnesota Wild at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2022; Buffalo, New York, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (26) looks to make a pass during the second period against the Minnesota Wild at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Sabres
Feb 13, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (23) during the warm-up session before the game against Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

Mattias Samuelsson

No one on the Sabres roster brings a physical presence more than Samuelsson. The 6’4 grinder is no scorer and never will be. But Samuelsson has shown off his physicality with 39 hits in 21 games since the Sabres recalled him. Supplement that with 30 blocks, and the Sabres have found a blue-chip grinder who can anchor the second pairing.

It would be great to see Samuelsson improve his game to the point he logs more takeaways. But at just 22, he has a lot of time to hone his strengths and improve weaknesses. And given the way his game has improved from last season (20 NHL appearances) to this season, expect even more growth heading into 2022-23.

Look for Samuelsson to open next season as a main fixture on the second pairing with Casey Fitzgerald. And expect him to maintain the physical presence he has so far brought to the KeyBank Center.

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