Player Discussion Mattias Samuelsson, LHD (USNTDP), The Antidote, Distributing Cobra Strikes

[1972]

This is exactly the type of player we need. He only needs to become a steady second/third pairing guy for this to be a good pick. Kinda looks similar to how Tyler Myers plays now, if we could get that we are happy.

 

[joshjull]

 

[vcv]

Looks taller than 6’4?

 

[Dingo44]

Been watching him for two years. Huge kid who plays a ton and doesn't make many mistakes. Good skater. Great pedigree, obviously (father is Kjell, not Ulf). There are a lot of great character players with the NTDP so the fact he was named captain for the U18 tournament says TONS. Super safe pick. Guy will be an NHL'er.

 

[Doug Prishpreed]

Well, love all the scouting reports I'm reading. As a goalie and my philosophy in general, my favorite player on the ice is the large, responsible, intelligent, stay-at-home defenseman. The game is won by how much bull**** goes on in your kitchen, and how much bull**** goes on in the other team's kitchen. If your kitchen is cleaner, you win most of the time. A guy who sits in the kitchen and just does the dishes as they come is my favorite guy in the world.

I've always felt the same way. Although these days, you have to add the caveat that he needs to have at least avg speed because that is the #1 killer of these type of players in today's game.

 

[LaxSabre]

I believe Western Michigan to play with his brother.

 

[Zip15]

Meh. Projectable. Don't love his upside, but will probably play in the NHL. Seems to be a trend with them lately in the 2nd round. Safe, safe, safe.

 

[Moskau]

I take the defensemen 9 times out of 10 at this position in the draft. I think "two way character" forwards get overrated at the top of the 2nd round and I'll gladly take the smart defensemen with lots of room for growth.

 

[Chainshot]

 

[Dirty Dog]

I like how safe is a negative. He has a high floor and a high ceiling, just not a super high ceiling.

 

[joshjull]

 

[Icicle]

Meh. Projectable. Don't love his upside, but will probably play in the NHL. Seems to be a trend with them lately in the 2nd round. Safe, safe, safe.

Until the system is stacked with players we don’t have the luxury of taking risks. High floor guys is a good thing for a team as barren as us.

 

[LaxSabre]

USA Hockey @usahockey - The first two Americans selected on Day 2 of the #NHLDraft -
Mattias Samuelsson & Bode Wilde.

 

[1972]

Skating is key for a big D, if he moved like Logan Stanley or Griffin Reinhart I would hate this pick. But based on video he moves really well and has some skill. I think he’s a better pro then guys like Sandin who went above him.

 

[Chainshot]

Prospect Of Interest: The 411 on Mattias Samuelsson - Sportsnet.ca

 

[Techno Allah]

Meh, not very excited about this one. Would have rather taken a chance with Noel, Akil Thomas, Bergren, Olofsson. Don't see him contributing much for his first 8 years or so

 

[Chainshot]

 

[CaptPantalones]

Vogl just tweeted a quote from Bode Wilde saying he felt Samuelson could be the ideal partner for Dahlin. Can't say I disagree. 2 big guys who play 2 way games their skating ability

 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[Icicle]

If he plays like his dad, pair him with Ristolainen. Nobody will want to forecheck against that.

 

[hizzoner]

Sabres have a lot of "offensive" type Dmen with average or below average size on their roster. A big crease clearing, cycle stopping defence man who will take bigger defensive minutes, chosen captain to lead his team, is a good and needed choice. If that is what he projects-and most scouting services believe this-then I applaud the pick.

 

[ek93]

At first I wasn't sure about this pick because I didn't know a lot about him, but after reading a little bit, I'm stoked. He checks literally all the boxes. Size, smarts, physicality, skating, offensive talent and character. What's not to like?

 

[26CornerBlitz]

 

[Rasmus CacOlainen]

Does that mean they really wxpect Dahlin to play on the right? I mean the disbalance of higher endend left and righties in the organization is shocking.

 

[Moskau]

Bode Wilde knows how to pair defensemen better than our last two coaches.