Buffalo Sabers 2025-26 Player Report Card: Mattias Samuelsson – Hockey Writers – Buffalo Sabers

If “Redemption” had a name, this season it would be Mattias Samuelsson of the Buffalo Sabres. By every metric that can be measured, and even by some that can only be seen, Samuelsson is putting down the player who has changed the most from last season to this one.

From being booed at home by fans for how small he felt last season, to being one of the best defenders, and the hero of their first finals appearance in 15 years, Samuelsson has shown that anyone can bounce back from a bad season.

Samuelsson Looked Like a New Player

For those who didn’t know Samuelsson’s name or the type of game he used to play before this season, let me fill in the blanks for you.

He often couldn’t stay healthy, and he was always out of the lineup, blocking shots, throwing hits, but he was never known for any offensive skills; so much so, that a few years ago in Jeff Skinner’s video series “Between Two Floors”, a joke was made that Samuelsson had no reason to have his goal song, because he wouldn’t hear it.

Then there was the incident in the 2024-25 season, where Samuelsson was standing after Tage Thompson was hit by a cheap shot by Stefan Noesen, and the fans were calling him a headbutt.

In this age, all that sounds like ancient history. Samuelsson was 10th overall in points (41) on the team, second in goals (13) by a defenseman (behind Rasmus Dahlin), and led the entire team in plus/minus (plus-41), which was also good for 7th in the entire NHL.

He looked like a complete turnaround from any other season, as he posted career highs in every major league. His defensive efforts, combined with his new offensive game transition were nothing short of impressive, and he never really had a low point where he slowed down either.

Samuelsson grade

If Samuelsson had been traded in the summer of 2025, not a single fan would have blinked then, but as it is, he has shown that he is indeed the defender they made him out to be, and he needs to be. With his changeup, his good numbers, and everything he brought to the table as a player and as a leader this season, his grades will look like this:

• Score – A++++++
• Defense – A+
• Leadership – A
• Playing – A
• Teamwork – A+

It cannot be overstated how much Samuelsson has contributed to the success of this Sabers team. He was like the glue that held everything together, and he could be used in every situation. Giving newly-extended head coach Lindy Ruff that kind of versatility and flexibility to a player is nothing short of a godsend. There is no other way to give him anything other than perfection, and above his marks. He played his heart out, and won his redemption.

Samuelsson’s future in Buffalo

Samuelsson will be entering the fourth year of his seven-year contract where he is paid around $4.285 million per season, and there is no reason to think that he will be removed or that he would like to be. As the Sabers’ co-captain and a key part of their stacked defense, the only place he’ll be going is the bank when his contract expires in 2030. The Sabers were smart to lock him up as quickly as they did, and getting him under such a decent price is icing on the cake.

The Sabers have plenty of good contracts on their roster, and as of right now, not a single one feels like the player isn’t meeting it or not playing it in some way.

Samuelsson will continue to be a big part of this team moving forward, especially as Rasmus Dahlin’s defensive partner, but also as one of Ruff’s “go-to” players in tough situations. Expect to see his minutes, responsibilities, and overall numbers continue to rise. What an incredible season from Samuelsson. Everyone should look forward to more.