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Analysts Call on Atlantic Team to Strip Expensive Underperforming Defenseman of His Letter

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Sep 1, 2025 4:12 PM ET

Mattias Samuelsson has been with the Sabres for a number of years now, and after underperforming with an 'A', the team have been called to strip him of it.

The Buffalo Sabres have failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for 15 seasons in a row, and despite having a talented young core, this team have shown few signs of making a genuine playoff push in that time.

2025/26 appears to be no different, with the team entering a brand new season full of young talent, but without the consistency behind them, there's little reason for fans to expect more from them.

Why Samuelsson's Passive Play Has Sparked Leadership Questions in Buffalo

One player that disappointed a season ago was Mattias Samuelsson, who had just been given an 'A' by Lindy Ruff and the Sabres coaching staff after promoting Rasmus Dahlin to captain.

However, the incident involving Tage Thompson and Samuelsson's passive reaction drew major backlash from Sabres fans, and this combined with his overall struggles has led to calls for the team to strip him of his letter.

Could Removing His Letter Hurt Trade Value or Team Chemistry?

In 62 games a season ago, the 25-year old tallied just 4 goals and 14 points, but given that he's been with the team for five seasons, it made sense for the team to give him the 'A'.

While the calls to strip him off that have been popular, it risks tearing the locker room apart if he is seen as a leader, but after failing to stand up for his teammates with his passive play and struggles to produce, this would likely make a great statement for Ruff and the coaching staff.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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