'He's the antidote' | Sabres see Samuelsson as part of long-term core

Don Granato chose one word to describe why the Sabres awarded defenseman Mattias Samuelsson a seven-year, $30 million contract extension on Wednesday.
"He is the antidote," Granato said.
Granato then expanded on the thought.

"If you think of a star player on the other team, he's the antidote," he continued. "He is an athletic beast. His mobility, agility, his size, his strength. He has a great feel for his position, a great feel for the game. So, he closes on people quick. He defends well. That'll make the other defensemen on our teams' jobs much easier."

Samuelsson's defensive prowess - along with his off-ice intangibles - made him a player the Sabres identified as a core member of their long-term vision. The feeling was mutual, which made the seven-year commitment an easy outcome for both sides.
"I think it was easy because, I've said it before, I want to be a part of this for a long time," Samuelsson said. "That feeling was always there from my side. When they expressed that they were interested in the long-term too, it wasn't too long before something came together. It was a pretty easy process when both sides were pretty much on the same page the whole time."
The commitment from the Sabres' perspective was a testament to their belief in his potential. Samuelsson - true to Granato's description - was touted as a dependable, athletic defender when the team drafted him during the second round in 2018. He was known throughout the hockey world as a leader, having captained Team USA at both the U-18 and U-20 World Championships.
He has made good on both ends since turning pro ahead of the 2020-21 season, which he split between Buffalo and Rochester.
"What I would say about Sammy is he's an unbelievable teammate," Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams said. "He's loved in the locker room. He brings a unique element to the element to the blue line that we think is really critical for us moving forward. Just feel like he's the type of person that's gonna keep working to get better and better."

Samuelsson might have made the opening night roster last season had it not been for a blocked shot in the Prospects Challenge that forced him to miss all of training camp. Instead, he joined the Sabres in January and made an immediate impact, quickly entrenching himself as an everyday player.
"And very few guys are impact upon entry in the NHL. He was from day one," Granato said. "And that's a testament to not only his present ability, but his potential."
He elevated to the top defense pair alongside Rasmus Dahlin by the time the season ended. He averaged 21:19 of ice time in 22 games from March 10 on, during which he led the team in hits (63) and blocked shots (32). His athleticism showed while defending on the rush, when he routinely stripped used his 6-foot-4 length to strip the puck from oncoming opponents.
"I can't wait to play with that guy," Dahlin said. "He's such an amazing player, but also such an amazing guy. I'm very happy he signed long term here. We're going to have a lot a lot of good years."
That feeling is mutual, too. Samuelsson explained why he sees Buffalo as a long-term fit.
"I think it's just the group of guys we have in this locker room, the characters we have and how we approach every day," he said. "I know Okie said it a couple times, it's just so much fun to come to the rink every day. You wake up every morning and your body's hurting like everyone else, but you're just excited to come to work with everybody and get better.
"I mean, I love the game, I love coming to the rink every day and trying to get better. It's just kind of a weight lifted off my shoulders. Now I can just play with the guys in this room and not worry about anything."