We continue with The Canuck Way’s 2018 NHL draft prospect profiles. Today, we look at an American defenceman with a Swedish name, Mattias Samuelsson.
The Vancouver Canucks had another disappointing season. For what it’s worth, this year’s injury-stricken team finished 26th overall, avoiding the shame of the bottom-five if that matters to you. With the reduced draft lottery odds, the Canucks will have the seventh overall selection this year.
The Canuck Way will give you as much info we can provide for our favourite prospects from the first round. These profiles are not a mock draft; just a list of who we feel make up the top 31 in this year’s draft.
Mattias Samuelsson is a player with NHL bloodlines. His father was NHL defenceman Kjell Samuelsson, who played 14 seasons and won a Stanley cup with the 1992 Pittsburgh Penguins. Kjell was a hard-nosed defensive defenseman during his playing days; when you watch Mattias, its clear that the apple doesn’t fall very far from the tree. Would he be a good fit with the Canucks? Let’s have a look shall we!
The stats rundown
*Counting statistics provided by EliteProspects
Height: 192 cm/6’3”
Weight: 98 kg/216 lbs
Birthdate: March 14, 2000
Position: Defence
Handedness: Left
Team (League): U.S. National U18 Team (USDP)
Rankings:
#21 by NHL Central Scouting (EU)
#31 by Dobber Prospects (Cam Robinson)
| GP | G | A | P |
| 58 | 11 | 20 | 31 |
For a player who is billed as a more defensive defenceman, his offensive numbers were actually pretty solid. What makes those numbers even more impressive, was the fact that he played in more of a shutdown type defenceman role.
Related Story: 2018 NHL draft prospect profile #27: Nicolas Beaudin
Though he did produce while playing a shutdown role, potential NHL teams need to exercise caution. Samuelsson played on a very strong team, with players like 2018 draft eligible Oliver Wahlstrom and Joel Farabee, and 2019 draft phenom Jack Hughes. Making the most mundane of passes to any one of these puck assassins can lead to points.
Dan Marr, NHL.com:
"“Defensively he stands out. He understands the role. He plays within his means. He moves well for his size, he doesn’t over-handle the puck. He does know how to utilize his size asset and he does know how to utilize it within the rules. He doesn’t go out of his way to run guys, hit guys. His 1-on-1 game, he makes sure he handles his checks. On the defensive side of the puck he’s responsible with it.”"
Ben Kerr, Last Word on Hockey:
"Samuelsson has the unique combination of size, physicality and skill that NHL teams covet on their blue line. He may not have the offensive game to be a top power play unit player, but could contribute to a second unit. Samuelsson will need to work on refining his skills, cleaning up his skating, and improving discipline. As he is headed to the NCAA, there is plenty of time for him to improve. Samuelsson’s game is reminiscent of a left-handed Brent Seabrook. This is a stylistic comparison only though, and not one based on potential or ability."
What we think
Looking at the stats, we feel that Mattias Samuelsson projects to be a solid stay at home defenceman, with some offensive potential. He may not be that high-end type of defenceman, but he could play in your top 4 and provide solid minutes.
He is eerily similar in description to Canucks defenceman and former 2010 3rd overall pick Erik Gudbranson, which is definitely a red flag. While it is important to have physicality on your blueline, having a physical defenceman who is not a great skater and lacks offensive flavour is not something the Canucks need. If anything, the Canucks need the exact opposite type of defenceman.
While Samuelsson is most certainly not a consideration for the Canucks first selection, the team is better off looking in another direction when it comes to their second round pick. The Canucks have enough defensive defenceman and do not need to add another to the fray.
Next: 2018 NHL draft prospect profile #26: Serron Noel
Samuelsson has a solid chance of becoming an NHLer, but we don’t think the Canucks are the right fit.