Buffalo Sabres give 30 million dollars to a player who has never scored a goal or played a full season

The Buffalo Sabres signed defenceman Mattias Samuelsson to a seven-year contract extension worth $30 million on Wednesday, with a $4.285 AAV.

In 42 games last season with the Sabres, Samuelsson had 10 assists while averaging 19:59 in ice time. In the AHL he had 2 goals and 15 points in 22 games.

A second-round pick of the Sabres in 2018, Samuelsson made his NHL debut during the 2020-21 season, posting two assists in 12 games

This deal has shades of the John Klingberg extension with Dallas in 2015: Seven years, $4.25M AAV after 65 career games.

Different style of player but the same dynamic at the bargaining table. Team is making a bet on potential, player is embracing security.

Samuelsson is set to open the season on the top pairing with Rasmus Dahlin. Buffalo opens their season on Thursday at home against the Ottawa Senators.

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