Buffalo Sabres: Bold predictions for each player under 25 in 2022

By Sion Fawkes | Sep 14, 2022

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - APRIL 21: Rasmus Dahlin #26 of the Buffalo Sabres is congratulated by teammates Victor Olofsson #71 and Tage Thompson #72 during the second period against the New Jersey Devils at Prudential Center on April 21, 2022 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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HAMILTON, ONTARIO – MARCH 13: Mattias Samuelsson #23 of the Buffalo Sabres waves to the crowd after the team’s win against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the Heritage Classic at Tim Hortons Field on March 13, 2022 in Hamilton, Ontario. (Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images) /

Mattias Samuelsson records 120 blocks, 240-plus hits

Now that he is projected to play on the first pairing alongside Rasmus Dahlin, look for Samuelsson to evolve into the Buffalo Sabres most physical defender. While he is neither the best skater nor the best puck handler, this stay-at-home defenseman has the potential to deliver at least three or more bone-crunching hits per contest.

Which makes it realistic to believe Samuelsson can, if he remains healthy, deliver at least 240 hits in 2022-23, making him the ideal complement to Dahlin. While I won’t get so bold and claim that Samuelsson will see his points total increase, I also want to predict that he will score at least three goals this season, which will be the first three of his NHL career.

Last season, the Buffalo Sabres lacked physicality. This year, expect that weakness to become a strength, in part, thanks to Samuelsson.

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