Buffalo Sabres: Will Mattias Samuelsson grow in 2022-23?

May 1, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (54) during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (54) during the second period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson has just 54 games of NHL experience. Will he continue to grow for the upcoming season?

Despite his relative inexperience, Mattias Samuelsson has already been a hit with the Buffalo Sabres and no, there is no pun intended there. You won’t find Samuelsson scoring many points, but you will find him making things tough for opposing forwards.

Overall, Samuelsson’s physical play and nose for spotting the puck makes the Sabres better as a whole on the blue line. He also complemented well late in the season with the two-way Rasmus Dahlin, leading many in the fan base to believe he will secure a spot on the first pairing in 2022-23.

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

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Mattias Samuelsson has proven to be a big hitter and stay-at-home defenseman

Despite just 54 games of NHL experience Samuelsson has 120 career hits and 70 blocks. Even more impressive? His production in the two categories skyrocketed during a 42-game stretch in 2021-22, when he logged 100 hits and 60 blocks.

Pundits who cover the Buffalo Sabres are all projecting the same thing that I am: That Samuelsson will grow into a defensive cornerstone as early as 2022-23. But as with all players, the defenseman also has a few flaws that may prevent him from growing at a linear pace for the upcoming season.

However, he was the team’s top defensive prospect in 2021-22, with only Casey Fitzgerald providing any real competition. And not only was he the organization’s top prospect on defense; you can also argue that he was the top prospect that saw extended playing time in Buffalo last season. At least until Owen Power arrived and gave him competition.

Anyway, enough chatter. Keep reading to find out why Mattias Samuelsson will grow in 2022-23.