Mattias Samuelsson had a breakout season with the Buffalo Sabres, but one former player thinks the defenseman has yet to peak. Recently, The Athletic put together its Player Tiers for the 2026-27 season, and Samuelsson was among the Top 150 in the 5C tier.
Samuelsson made the list after an offensive explosion last season with 13 goals and 28 assists, after having only seven goals and 36 assists in the five prior seasons combined. A player who makes such a jump after so many years in the league always raises suspicions about whether they can continue that production.
However, one former player was quoted in the article as saying that they believe there is another level for Samuelsson:
“I think he could take (another) step up,” a former player said.
More from Mattias Samuelsson could help Buffalo Sabres replace Bowen Byram
One of the big questions for the blueline is how they replace Bowen Byram, who they traded to the Chicago Blackhawks this summer. On the ice, it will likely be Olen Zellweger, but it is tough to assume the young player can do everything that Byram was able to do last season.
Earlier this week, head coach Lindy Ruff was optimistic about the improvements Owen Power made last season and he saw him possibly taking another step in his career. However, it might end up being Samuelsson if this former player is correct.
Last season, he was second on the team in average ice time per game, with the majority of that time coming from 5v5 and the penalty kill. After the offensive production he showed last season, the Sabres may look to Samuelsson as an option on their power play for next season.
That is one area where he can show that improvement in the offensive zone and maybe help the team as a whole. If he does get that chance, it wouldn't be surprising to see Samuelsson get close to 50 points next season, a level that would have been ridiculous to say at this time last season.
Last season, Mattias Samuelsson went from a decent defenseman to a critical part of the blueline, and with the departure of Byram, the Buffalo Sabres have to hope that this former player is correct, as it will help this defense immensely in 2026-27.
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