Mikael Samuelsson
Encyclopedia
Mikael Samuelsson is a Swedish professional ice hockey
right winger
currently playing for the Florida Panthers
of the National Hockey League
(NHL).
Samuelsson began his career in Sweden, starting with Södertälje SK
as a junior in 1994. He went on to also play for Swedish teams IK Nyköping
, Frölunda HC
and Brynäs IF
. He was selected 145th overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft
by the San Jose Sharks
and moved to the NHL in 2000–01. After short stints with the Sharks, New York Rangers
, Pittsburgh Penguins
and Florida Panthers, he returned to Europe during the 2004–05 NHL lockout. As NHL play resumed, Samuelsson signed with the Detroit Red Wings
, winning the Stanley Cup
with the club in 2008
. After four seasons in Detroit, he signed with the Canucks in July 2009. He enjoyed the two most successful seasons of his career with Vancouver, recording back-to-back 50-point campaigns in 2009–10
and 2010–11
. In his third year with the club, he was traded to the Panthers in October 2011 for his second stint in Florida.
Internationally, Samuelsson is a member of the Triple Gold Club
. In addition to his Stanley Cup championship, he has won gold medals with the Swedish national team at the 2006 Winter Olympics
and 2006 World Championships
.
with Södertälje SK
of the J20 SuperElit
, beginning in 1994–95. Scoring at a point-per-game pace at the junior level the following season, he was called up to the club's professional club, scoring 5 goals and an assist in 18 games. He helped Södertälje SK earn a promotion from the second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan to Sweden's premier league, the Elitserien
, for the 1996–97 campaign. Debuting in the Elitserien, Samuelsson recorded 6 points over 29 games. While improving to 16 points in 31 games the following season, he also played in 10 games for IK Nyköping
in the Allsvenskan. During the subsequent off-season, Samuelsson was selected in the fifth round, 145th overall, by the San Jose Sharks
in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft
.
Upon being drafted, he remained in Sweden for two more seasons. As Södertälje SK was demoted back to the Allsvenskan for the 1998–99 season, Samuelsson remained in the Elitserien by joining Frölunda HC
, playing with both teams over the course of the season. While scoring 23 points over 18 games with Södertälje SK, he managed 5 points over 27 games with Frölunda HC. The following season in 1999–00, Samuelsson transferred to Brynäs IF
of the Elitserien and recorded 7 points in 40 games. He helped the club to the second-best record in the regular season, before losing in the semifinals to Modo Hockey
. He ranked second in team-scoring with 9 points in 11 post-season games.
(AHL) affiliate, the Kentucky Thoroughblades
out of training camp, where he spent the majority of the season. He had 32 goals and 78 points over 66 games in the AHL to finish seventh in league scoring. Called up to the Sharks on two occasions over the course of the season, he appeared in his first four NHL games, recording no points.
In the subsequent off-season, he was traded to the New York Rangers
, along with fellow prospect Christian Gosselin, in exchange for veteran forward Adam Graves
on June 24, 2001. He began the 2001–02 season with the Rangers' AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack, but after notching nine points in eight games, he was recalled to the NHL on November 5. He scored his first two NHL goals on November 20 against goaltender Patrick Roy
in a 5–3 win against the Colorado Avalanche
. Samuelsson's first goal came short handed and broke Roy's three-game shutout streak, which was in contention to tie the modern-day NHL record at the time of four games. Samuelsson remained with the Rangers for the rest of the season and recorded 6 goals and 16 assists over 67 games as an NHL rookie. He was utilizied in primarily defensive roles during his time in New York, playing on the penalty kill and matching up against opposing team's top offensive lines
.
In the off-season, Samuelsson was re-signed by the Rangers and made the club's opening roster for the 2002–03 campaign. Late in the season, he was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins
in an eight-player trade on February 10, 2003. Along with Samuelsson, the Rangers sent Rico Fata
, Joel Bouchard
, Richard Lintner
, and cash to the Penguins in exchange for Alexei Kovalev
, Dan LaCouture
, Janne Laukkanen
, and Mike Wilson. Samuelsson scored two goals in 22 games with the Penguins to finish his second NHL season with a combined 10 goals and 24 points between Pittsburgh and New York. Looking to move up in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft
, the Penguins traded him on draft-day, along with their first- and second-round picks (used to select Nathan Horton
and Stefan Meyer, respectively), to the Florida Panthers
in exchange for the first overall selection that year (used to pick goaltender Marc-André Fleury
) and a third-round pick (Daniel Carcillo
) on June 21, 2003.
Samuelsson spent most of his time with the Panthers on the injured reserve
list, beginning with a fractured jaw, after receiving a high-stick from Branislav Mezei
on November 22, 2003. He did not return until January 2004, missing 22 games. That same month, Samuelsson fractured his hand, missing another 21 games. After finishing the campaign with nine points in 37 games, he was not tended a qualifying offer by the Panthers and became a free agent.
As it became apparent the following NHL season would be suspended due to a lockout, Samuelsson initially signed with Genève-Servette HC
of the Swiss National League A in September 2004. He appeared in 12 games for the club, recording six points. A month after signing in Switzerland, he returned to Södertälje SK of the Elitserien in late-October. He recorded 20 points over 29 games, as the club qualified for the eighth and final playoff spot, where they were defeated by Färjestads BK
in four straight games. Samuelsson notched 6 points in 10 post-season games.
, Director of European Scouting for the Detroit Red Wings
, in the summer of 2005. Still in Europe, he was loaned from Södertälje SK to the Swiss Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
for two games in early-September. Samuelsson competed in one game for the Lakers before signing a one-year contract with the Red Wings. Joining Detroit marked a turning point in his career. Playing mainly on the third line, he was used on the powerplay and emerged as a legitimate offensive player in the NHL. During his first season with the Red Wings, he recorded 23 goals, 22 assists and 45 points in 71 games. He missed nine games late in the campaign due to a wrist injury, but returned for the playoffs. Seeded
first overall in the Western Conference
, Detroit was eliminated in the opening round by the Edmonton Oilers
. Samuelsson notched an assist while appearing in the first six NHL playoff games of his career.
In March 2006, Samuelsson signed a three-year contract extension with the Red Wings. He recorded 34 points in 53 games the following season, while missing 18 games to a broken right foot. Finishing first overall in the West once more, Detroit advanced to the semifinals, where they were eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks
. Samuelsson contributed 11 points in 18 post-season games.
After a 40-point campaign in 2007–08, Samuelsson helped the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup
championship. He recorded 13 points in 22 post-season games, including the first two goals in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals
against the Pittsburgh Penguins
. Helping the Red Wings defeat the Penguins in six games, the victory made Samuelsson a member of the Triple Gold Club
, having won gold medals at the Winter Olympics
and World Championships
two years prior. Also accomplishing the feat were teammates and fellow Swedes Henrik Zetterberg
and Niklas Kronwall
.
The following season
, Samuelsson recorded a second consecutive 40-point campaign. In the ensuing playoffs, he scored the overtime-winning goal in Game 2 of the semifinals against the Chicago Blackhawks
. He advanced with the Red Wings to the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals
, where they met the Penguins for the second consecutive year. Detroit was defeated in seven games, missing out on back-to-back championships. Samuelsson contributed 10 points in 21 playoff games.
on July 3, 2009, worth an annual salary of $2.5 million. He signed with the Canucks anticipating an expanded offensive role with more ice time, while also commenting that Detroit's efforts to re-sign him were "too little, too late."
He scored his first goal as a Canuck in the 2009–10
season opener against the Calgary Flames
in a 5–3 loss on October 1. On March 9, 2010, Samuelsson scored his first career hat trick
in a 6–4 win against the Colorado Avalanche
. All three goals were scored in the second period and assisted by countryman Henrik Sedin
. He later earned NHL First Star of the Week honours on March 15 for notching six goals and four assists in four games. The following day, Samuelsson injured his shoulder in a game against the New York Islanders
. He missed eight games, returning in time for the 2010 playoffs
. He reached the 30-goal plateau for the first time in his career and added 23 assists for a career-high 53 points. Head coach Alain Vigneault played Samuelsson primarily on the second line with Ryan Kesler
and Mason Raymond
, while he also earned time on the top unit of Henrik and Daniel Sedin
.
Facing the Los Angeles Kings
in the opening round of the playoffs, Samuelsson tied two Canucks playoff records. With seven goals in six games, he tied Pavel Bure
for most goals in a series and with goals in the first five games of the series, he tied Cliff Ronning
for longest goal-scoring streak. The Canucks advanced to the second round, where they were defeated by the Chicago Blackhawks
in six games. Samuelsson finished the post-season with eight goals and 15 points in 12 games to lead the Canucks in scoring.
The following season, Samuelsson suffered a mild concussion after colliding with St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka
on December 5, 2010, causing him to miss one game. Two months later, he was named the NHL's Second Star for the week ending February 6, 2011. He scored two goals and six points in three Canucks victories to earn the distinction. While his goals total decreased to 18 in 2010–11
, Samuelsson recorded his second consecutive 50-point campaign with a career-high 32 assists. Ranking fourth in team point-scoring behind the Sedins and Kesler, he helped the Canucks to the franchise's first Presidents' Trophy
as the team with the league's best regular season record.
Samuelsson struggled in the 2011 post-season
as he returned from a lower-body injury that kept him from the six games near the end of the regular season. Recording three points over 11 games against the Blackhawks and Nashville Predators
in the first two rounds, he was demoted at one point to the Canucks' fourth line in the second round against Nashville; it was suspected he was playing through an injury. In Game 5 of the second round against Nashville, he fell to the ice while stretching to retrieve a loose puck and needed to be helped off the ice. Twelve days later on May 19, 2011, he underwent surgery for his adductor tendon
and a sports hernia, sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs. With Samuelsson out of the lineup, Vancouver advanced to the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals
, where they were defeated in seven games by the Boston Bruins
.
with Vancouver. Less than a month into the campaign, on October 22, 2011, he was traded to the Florida Panthers
along with fellow veteran forward Marco Sturm
for forwards David Booth and Steven Reinprecht
, as well as a 3rd round pick in the 2013 draft
.
at the 2005 World Championships
in Austria
. He recorded five points in nine games as Sweden finished in fourth place, losing the bronze medal game to Russia. The following year, he competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics
in Turin
. He contributed four points in eight games, while playing on a line with future Canucks teammates Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Samuelsson recorded an assist against Finland in the final, helping Sweden win gold. Several months later, he played for Sweden at the 2006 World Championships
in Latvia
. As Sweden beat the Czech Republic 4–0 in the final, Samuelsson earned his second gold medal of 2006. He recorded an international career-high nine points over eight games to tie for second in team scoring, while also leading Sweden in shots on goal.
Four years later, Samuelsson attracted media attention after being left off the Swedish roster for the 2010 Winter Olympics
. He told reporters, "I pretty much have one comment and maybe I'll regret it. But they (Team Sweden officials) can go fuck themselves," adding that he was not interested in being later added to the roster in the event of an injury. His omission was highly publicized by Swedish media as he was in the midst of a career season with the Canucks (he went on to record the second-highest goals total among Swedish NHLers that season in 2009–10
with 30). Sweden went on to lose to Slovakia in the quarterfinal, failing to medal.
. He and his wife, Sandra have two children – son William and daughter Stina. In the off-seasons, he returns with his family to the Stockholm area, where he owns a home in Nykvarn
. After the Red Wings' championship victory, he brought the Stanley Cup with him to Nykvarn and had a civic reception with the trophy in Mariefred on July 29, 2008. Aside from hockey, Samuelsson is an avid golfer.
In September 2010, Samuelsson posted an online charity auction for fans in Sweden to benefit minor hockey in Mariefred. The highest bidder at $6,500, won an all-expenses paid trip for two to Vancouver
, featuring tickets to two Canucks games at Rogers Arena, access to the team's locker room and a five-night stay in Samuelsson's personal home. Samuelsson has also been involved in the NHL Players Association
's Goals and Dreams program, which provides equipment to minor hockey teams around the world, including Mariefred.
Statistics taken from Eliteprospects.com
Ice hockey
Ice hockey, often referred to as hockey, is a team sport played on ice, in which skaters use wooden or composite sticks to shoot a hard rubber puck into their opponent's net. The game is played between two teams of six players each. Five members of each team skate up and down the ice trying to take...
right winger
Winger (ice hockey)
Winger, in the game of hockey, is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play on the ice is along the outer playing area. They typically work by flanking the centre forward. Originally the name was given to forward players who went up and down the sides of the rink...
currently playing for the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
of the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL).
Samuelsson began his career in Sweden, starting with Södertälje SK
Södertälje SK
Södertälje Sportklubb is a Swedish professional ice hockey club playing in HockeyAllsvenskan. Södertälje were charter members of Elitserien when the league was founded in 1975 and have since played 24 seasons in the league...
as a junior in 1994. He went on to also play for Swedish teams IK Nyköping
Nyköpings Hockey
Nyköpings Hockey is an ice-hockey club from Nyköping in Sweden. It was founded in 1990, then called IK Nyköping Hockey 90 or NH90, as a merger of the ice hockey section of Nyköpings BIS and Nyköpings HL Nyköpings Hockey is an ice-hockey club from Nyköping in Sweden. It was founded in 1990, then...
, Frölunda HC
Frölunda HC
Frölunda Hockey Club, also known as the Frölunda Indians, are a Swedish professional ice hockey club based in Gothenburg. They are currently playing in the highest Swedish league, Elitserien, where they have played the majority of the seasons during its existence. The last time they played in the...
and Brynäs IF
Brynäs IF
Brynäs IF is a professional Swedish ice hockey team from Gävle. The club plays in the highest Swedish league , and has done so since 1960.-History:...
. He was selected 145th overall in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft
1998 NHL Entry Draft
The 1998 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 27 at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York. A total of 258 players were drafted.- Selections by round :Club teams are located in North America unless otherwise noted.- Round one :- Round two :...
by the San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
and moved to the NHL in 2000–01. After short stints with the Sharks, New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
, Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
and Florida Panthers, he returned to Europe during the 2004–05 NHL lockout. As NHL play resumed, Samuelsson signed with the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
, winning the Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
with the club in 2008
2008 Stanley Cup Finals
The 2008 Stanley Cup Final was a best-of-seven playoff series that determined the National Hockey League champion for the 2007–08 season. As a culmination of the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Western Conference champion Detroit Red Wings defeated the Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh...
. After four seasons in Detroit, he signed with the Canucks in July 2009. He enjoyed the two most successful seasons of his career with Vancouver, recording back-to-back 50-point campaigns in 2009–10
2009–10 NHL season
The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010...
and 2010–11
2010–11 NHL season
The 2010–11 NHL season was the 94th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the fourth consecutive season that opened in Europe with NHL Premiere . A record three events were scheduled, all in previous NHL Premiere cities: Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Prague, Czech...
. In his third year with the club, he was traded to the Panthers in October 2011 for his second stint in Florida.
Internationally, Samuelsson is a member of the Triple Gold Club
Triple Gold Club
The Triple Gold Club is a term used to describe ice hockey players and coaches who have won an Olympic Games gold medal, a World Championship gold medal, and the Stanley Cup, the championship trophy of the National Hockey League...
. In addition to his Stanley Cup championship, he has won gold medals with the Swedish national team at the 2006 Winter Olympics
Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics
-Leading scorers:-Leading goaltenders:Goalkeepers with 40% or more of their team's total minutes.-Awards:Antero Niittymäki was named the most valuable player and received the Directorate Award for best goaltender of the tournament. Directorate Awards also went to Teemu Selänne for best forward, and...
and 2006 World Championships
2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships
The 2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships was the 70th such event hosted by the International Ice Hockey Federation. Teams representing 45 countries participated in four levels of competition. The competition also served as qualifications for the 2007 competition...
.
Swedish career (1994–2000)
Samuelsson played juniorJunior ice hockey
Junior hockey is a catch-all term used to describe various levels of ice hockey competition for players generally between 16 and 20 years of age...
with Södertälje SK
Södertälje SK
Södertälje Sportklubb is a Swedish professional ice hockey club playing in HockeyAllsvenskan. Södertälje were charter members of Elitserien when the league was founded in 1975 and have since played 24 seasons in the league...
of the J20 SuperElit
J20 SuperElit
J20 SuperElit is a junior ice hockey league composed of 20 teams in Sweden. It is the highest-level junior ice hockey league in Sweden. The teams are divided in two groups, or divisions, Norra and Södra , and are usually associated with a professional team in either Elitserien or HockeyAllsvenskan...
, beginning in 1994–95. Scoring at a point-per-game pace at the junior level the following season, he was called up to the club's professional club, scoring 5 goals and an assist in 18 games. He helped Södertälje SK earn a promotion from the second-tier HockeyAllsvenskan to Sweden's premier league, the Elitserien
Elitserien
Elitserien, is a professional ice hockey league composed of twelve teams in Sweden...
, for the 1996–97 campaign. Debuting in the Elitserien, Samuelsson recorded 6 points over 29 games. While improving to 16 points in 31 games the following season, he also played in 10 games for IK Nyköping
Nyköpings Hockey
Nyköpings Hockey is an ice-hockey club from Nyköping in Sweden. It was founded in 1990, then called IK Nyköping Hockey 90 or NH90, as a merger of the ice hockey section of Nyköpings BIS and Nyköpings HL Nyköpings Hockey is an ice-hockey club from Nyköping in Sweden. It was founded in 1990, then...
in the Allsvenskan. During the subsequent off-season, Samuelsson was selected in the fifth round, 145th overall, by the San Jose Sharks
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft
1998 NHL Entry Draft
The 1998 NHL Entry Draft was held on June 27 at the Marine Midland Arena in Buffalo, New York. A total of 258 players were drafted.- Selections by round :Club teams are located in North America unless otherwise noted.- Round one :- Round two :...
.
Upon being drafted, he remained in Sweden for two more seasons. As Södertälje SK was demoted back to the Allsvenskan for the 1998–99 season, Samuelsson remained in the Elitserien by joining Frölunda HC
Frölunda HC
Frölunda Hockey Club, also known as the Frölunda Indians, are a Swedish professional ice hockey club based in Gothenburg. They are currently playing in the highest Swedish league, Elitserien, where they have played the majority of the seasons during its existence. The last time they played in the...
, playing with both teams over the course of the season. While scoring 23 points over 18 games with Södertälje SK, he managed 5 points over 27 games with Frölunda HC. The following season in 1999–00, Samuelsson transferred to Brynäs IF
Brynäs IF
Brynäs IF is a professional Swedish ice hockey team from Gävle. The club plays in the highest Swedish league , and has done so since 1960.-History:...
of the Elitserien and recorded 7 points in 40 games. He helped the club to the second-best record in the regular season, before losing in the semifinals to Modo Hockey
MODO Hockey
Modo Hockey is a professional ice hockey club in Örnsköldsvik, Sweden. The club plays in Sweden's premier ice hockey league, the Elitserien. They were founded in 1921 and have won two Elitserien championships; in 1979 and 2007. The team's home arena is the Fjällräven Center since 2006...
. He ranked second in team-scoring with 9 points in 11 post-season games.
Early NHL career (2000–05)
Samuelsson moved to North America in 2000–01 to begin playing within the Sharks organization. He was assigned to the club's American Hockey LeagueAmerican Hockey League
The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
(AHL) affiliate, the Kentucky Thoroughblades
Kentucky Thoroughblades
The Kentucky Thoroughblades were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, who existed from 1996 to 2001. The Thoroughblades were based in Lexington, Kentucky, playing home games at Rupp Arena...
out of training camp, where he spent the majority of the season. He had 32 goals and 78 points over 66 games in the AHL to finish seventh in league scoring. Called up to the Sharks on two occasions over the course of the season, he appeared in his first four NHL games, recording no points.
In the subsequent off-season, he was traded to the New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
, along with fellow prospect Christian Gosselin, in exchange for veteran forward Adam Graves
Adam Graves
Adam Graves is a former professional hockey player. He is best-known for his ten-year tenure with the New York Rangers. He also played for the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, and San Jose Sharks...
on June 24, 2001. He began the 2001–02 season with the Rangers' AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolfpack, but after notching nine points in eight games, he was recalled to the NHL on November 5. He scored his first two NHL goals on November 20 against goaltender Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy
Patrick Edward Armand Roy is a former Canadian ice hockey goaltender. Nicknamed "Saint Patrick," Roy split his professional career between the Montreal Canadiens, whom he played with for 10 years, and the Colorado Avalanche, whom he played with for 8 years, both of the National Hockey League...
in a 5–3 win against the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
. Samuelsson's first goal came short handed and broke Roy's three-game shutout streak, which was in contention to tie the modern-day NHL record at the time of four games. Samuelsson remained with the Rangers for the rest of the season and recorded 6 goals and 16 assists over 67 games as an NHL rookie. He was utilizied in primarily defensive roles during his time in New York, playing on the penalty kill and matching up against opposing team's top offensive lines
Line (ice hockey)
A line in ice hockey is a term used to describe a group of forwards that play in a group, or shift, during a game.A complete forward line consists of a left wing, a center, and a right wing, while a pair of defensemen who play together are called a "defensive pairing." Typically, a team dresses...
.
In the off-season, Samuelsson was re-signed by the Rangers and made the club's opening roster for the 2002–03 campaign. Late in the season, he was dealt to the Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
in an eight-player trade on February 10, 2003. Along with Samuelsson, the Rangers sent Rico Fata
Rico Fata
Rico Fata is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently with Genève-Servette HC of the Swiss NLA. He has also played for the Calgary Flames, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Atlanta Thrashers and Washington Capitals of the NHL.-Playing career:Fata's career started as a 15 year old,...
, Joel Bouchard
Joel Bouchard
Joël Bouchard nicknamed "Mortimer" is a retired professional ice hockey defenceman who played in the National Hockey League. He is currently the president and general manager of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.-Playing career:Bouchard last played for the...
, Richard Lintner
Richard Lintner
Richard Lintner is a Slovak professional ice hockey defenceman who plays for SaiPa of the Finnish SM-liiga. He previously played in the National Hockey League for the Nashville Predators, New York Rangers and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Lintner represented Slovakia at the World Championships every...
, and cash to the Penguins in exchange for Alexei Kovalev
Alexei Kovalev
Alexei Vyacheslavovich "Alex" Kovalev is a Russian professional ice hockey player who currently plays for Atlant Moscow Oblast of the Kontinental Hockey League....
, Dan LaCouture
Dan LaCouture
Daniel LaCouture is an American professional ice hockey left winger currently playing for Lørenskog of the Norwegian Get-Liga. LaCouture is a graduate of Natick High School in Natick, Massachusetts.- Career :...
, Janne Laukkanen
Janne Laukkanen
Janne Laukkanen is a Finnish former professional ice hockey player. He played in the National Hockey League for the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche franchise, the Ottawa Senators, Pittsburgh Penguins, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. He played a total 407 regular season games scoring 22 goals...
, and Mike Wilson. Samuelsson scored two goals in 22 games with the Penguins to finish his second NHL season with a combined 10 goals and 24 points between Pittsburgh and New York. Looking to move up in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft
2003 NHL Entry Draft
The 2003 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Gaylord Entertainment Center in Nashville, Tennessee on June 21, 2003.Marc-Andre Fleury was selected first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins, only the third goalie in NHL history selected as the first overall draft choice...
, the Penguins traded him on draft-day, along with their first- and second-round picks (used to select Nathan Horton
Nathan Horton
Nathan Horton is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger who currently plays for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League...
and Stefan Meyer, respectively), to the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
in exchange for the first overall selection that year (used to pick goaltender Marc-André Fleury
Marc-Andre Fleury
Marc-André Fleury is a French Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League...
) and a third-round pick (Daniel Carcillo
Daniel Carcillo
Daniel Carcillo is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
) on June 21, 2003.
Samuelsson spent most of his time with the Panthers on the injured reserve
Injured reserve
The injured reserve list is a list of reserved players who are injured and unable to play for a period of time, used most prominently in the National Hockey League and National Football League . It is used because these leagues have a maximum number of players on the team roster, so placing a...
list, beginning with a fractured jaw, after receiving a high-stick from Branislav Mezei
Branislav Mezei
Branislav Mezei is a Slovak ice hockey defenceman currently with Lev Poprad of the Kontinental Hockey League.-International career:...
on November 22, 2003. He did not return until January 2004, missing 22 games. That same month, Samuelsson fractured his hand, missing another 21 games. After finishing the campaign with nine points in 37 games, he was not tended a qualifying offer by the Panthers and became a free agent.
As it became apparent the following NHL season would be suspended due to a lockout, Samuelsson initially signed with Genève-Servette HC
Genève-Servette HC
Genève-Servette HC, is a professional ice hockey team based in Geneva, Switzerland and compete in National League A.-History:* 1905 : Foundation of Servette FC's ice hockey section....
of the Swiss National League A in September 2004. He appeared in 12 games for the club, recording six points. A month after signing in Switzerland, he returned to Södertälje SK of the Elitserien in late-October. He recorded 20 points over 29 games, as the club qualified for the eighth and final playoff spot, where they were defeated by Färjestads BK
Färjestads BK
Färjestads Bollklubb is a Swedish professional ice hockey team based in Karlstad. Färjestad has had 18 Swedish Championship final appearances, winning nine times since Elitserien was started in 1975. The team plays in the highest Swedish league, and have done so since 1965...
in four straight games. Samuelsson notched 6 points in 10 post-season games.
Detroit Red Wings (2005–2009)
With NHL play set to resume following the lockout, Samuelsson was contacted by Håkan AnderssonHåkan Andersson (ice hockey)
Håkan Andersson is a Swedish amateur hockey scout who currently serves as the Director of European Scouting for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League ....
, Director of European Scouting for the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
, in the summer of 2005. Still in Europe, he was loaned from Södertälje SK to the Swiss Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
The Rapperswil-Jona Lakers are a professional ice hockey club from Rapperswil, Switzerland and are members of the Swiss National League A. The Lakers were founded in 1945 and were known as SC Rapperswil-Jona until 2005, when the club changed to its present name...
for two games in early-September. Samuelsson competed in one game for the Lakers before signing a one-year contract with the Red Wings. Joining Detroit marked a turning point in his career. Playing mainly on the third line, he was used on the powerplay and emerged as a legitimate offensive player in the NHL. During his first season with the Red Wings, he recorded 23 goals, 22 assists and 45 points in 71 games. He missed nine games late in the campaign due to a wrist injury, but returned for the playoffs. Seeded
Seed (sports)
A seed is a preliminary ranking that can be used in arranging a sports tournament. It is called a seed because of the analogy with plants where the seed might grow into a top rank at the end of that tournament, or might instead wither away...
first overall in the Western Conference
Western Conference (NHL)
The Western Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League used to divide teams. Its counterpart is the Eastern Conference....
, Detroit was eliminated in the opening round by the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
. Samuelsson notched an assist while appearing in the first six NHL playoff games of his career.
In March 2006, Samuelsson signed a three-year contract extension with the Red Wings. He recorded 34 points in 53 games the following season, while missing 18 games to a broken right foot. Finishing first overall in the West once more, Detroit advanced to the semifinals, where they were eliminated by the Anaheim Ducks
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks are a professional ice hockey team based in Anaheim, California, USA. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
. Samuelsson contributed 11 points in 18 post-season games.
After a 40-point campaign in 2007–08, Samuelsson helped the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
championship. He recorded 13 points in 22 post-season games, including the first two goals in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals
2008 Stanley Cup Finals
The 2008 Stanley Cup Final was a best-of-seven playoff series that determined the National Hockey League champion for the 2007–08 season. As a culmination of the 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Western Conference champion Detroit Red Wings defeated the Eastern Conference champion Pittsburgh...
against the Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...
. Helping the Red Wings defeat the Penguins in six games, the victory made Samuelsson a member of the Triple Gold Club
Triple Gold Club
The Triple Gold Club is a term used to describe ice hockey players and coaches who have won an Olympic Games gold medal, a World Championship gold medal, and the Stanley Cup, the championship trophy of the National Hockey League...
, having won gold medals at the Winter Olympics
Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics
-Leading scorers:-Leading goaltenders:Goalkeepers with 40% or more of their team's total minutes.-Awards:Antero Niittymäki was named the most valuable player and received the Directorate Award for best goaltender of the tournament. Directorate Awards also went to Teemu Selänne for best forward, and...
and World Championships
2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships
The 2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships was the 70th such event hosted by the International Ice Hockey Federation. Teams representing 45 countries participated in four levels of competition. The competition also served as qualifications for the 2007 competition...
two years prior. Also accomplishing the feat were teammates and fellow Swedes Henrik Zetterberg
Henrik Zetterberg
Henrik “Zäta" Zetterberg is a Swedish professional ice hockey center and alternate captain currently playing for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League...
and Niklas Kronwall
Niklas Kronwall
Niklas Kronwall is a Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman, an alternate captain for the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League...
.
The following season
2008–09 NHL season
The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the...
, Samuelsson recorded a second consecutive 40-point campaign. In the ensuing playoffs, he scored the overtime-winning goal in Game 2 of the semifinals against the Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
. He advanced with the Red Wings to the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals
2009 Stanley Cup Finals
The Red Wings took Game 1, 3–1, as three different Detroit players scored goals off of unusual bounces. The first period featured back and forth action, with each team having a variety of chances...
, where they met the Penguins for the second consecutive year. Detroit was defeated in seven games, missing out on back-to-back championships. Samuelsson contributed 10 points in 21 playoff games.
Vancouver Canucks (2009–11)
Becoming an unrestricted free agent in the off-season, Samuelsson signed a three-year deal with the Vancouver CanucksVancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...
on July 3, 2009, worth an annual salary of $2.5 million. He signed with the Canucks anticipating an expanded offensive role with more ice time, while also commenting that Detroit's efforts to re-sign him were "too little, too late."
He scored his first goal as a Canuck in the 2009–10
2009–10 NHL season
The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010...
season opener against the Calgary Flames
Calgary Flames
The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
in a 5–3 loss on October 1. On March 9, 2010, Samuelsson scored his first career hat trick
Hat Trick
Hat trick, hat-trick or hattrick may refer to:* hat-trick — in various sports, achieving three goals, wickets, etc. in a single match* Hattrick — online football management game** Hattrick Limited — producers of this game...
in a 6–4 win against the Colorado Avalanche
Colorado Avalanche
The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise...
. All three goals were scored in the second period and assisted by countryman Henrik Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Henrik Sedin is a Swedish professional ice hockey centre and captain of the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . His identical twin brother Daniel also plays for the Canucks. Having played together throughout their careers, the pair are known for their effectiveness playing off one...
. He later earned NHL First Star of the Week honours on March 15 for notching six goals and four assists in four games. The following day, Samuelsson injured his shoulder in a game against the New York Islanders
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
. He missed eight games, returning in time for the 2010 playoffs
2010 Stanley Cup playoffs
The 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 14, 2010, after the 2009–10 NHL regular season. The Finals ended on June 9, 2010, with the Chicago Blackhawks defeating the Philadelphia Flyers four games to two to win their fourth championship and their first since 1961...
. He reached the 30-goal plateau for the first time in his career and added 23 assists for a career-high 53 points. Head coach Alain Vigneault played Samuelsson primarily on the second line with Ryan Kesler
Ryan Kesler
Ryan James Kesler is an American professional ice hockey center for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . He serves as an alternate captain for the Canucks during home games. Selected in the first round, 23rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, Kesler has...
and Mason Raymond
Mason Raymond
Mason Evan Raymond is a Canadian professional ice hockey winger currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League . Born in Cochrane, Alberta, he played Junior A in the Alberta Junior Hockey League for two seasons, where he captured league and regional titles with the...
, while he also earned time on the top unit of Henrik and Daniel Sedin
Daniel Sedin
Daniel Sedin is a Swedish professional ice hockey winger with the Vancouver Canucks of the National Hockey League , and serves as an alternate captain for the Canucks during home games. His identical twin brother Henrik also plays for the Canucks, and is the team captain...
.
Facing the Los Angeles Kings
Los Angeles Kings
The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in the opening round of the playoffs, Samuelsson tied two Canucks playoff records. With seven goals in six games, he tied Pavel Bure
Pavel Bure
Pavel Vladimirovich Bure is a retired Russian professional ice hockey right winger. Nicknamed "The Russian Rocket" for his speed, Bure played for 12 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Vancouver Canucks, Florida Panthers and New York Rangers...
for most goals in a series and with goals in the first five games of the series, he tied Cliff Ronning
Cliff Ronning
Clifford John Ronning is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey forward. He was selected by the St. Louis Blues in the 7th round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft, 134th overall...
for longest goal-scoring streak. The Canucks advanced to the second round, where they were defeated by the Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
in six games. Samuelsson finished the post-season with eight goals and 15 points in 12 games to lead the Canucks in scoring.
The following season, Samuelsson suffered a mild concussion after colliding with St. Louis Blues forward Vladimir Sobotka
Vladimír Sobotka
Vladimír Sobotka is a Czech professional ice hockey center currently playing for the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
on December 5, 2010, causing him to miss one game. Two months later, he was named the NHL's Second Star for the week ending February 6, 2011. He scored two goals and six points in three Canucks victories to earn the distinction. While his goals total decreased to 18 in 2010–11
2010–11 NHL season
The 2010–11 NHL season was the 94th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the fourth consecutive season that opened in Europe with NHL Premiere . A record three events were scheduled, all in previous NHL Premiere cities: Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Prague, Czech...
, Samuelsson recorded his second consecutive 50-point campaign with a career-high 32 assists. Ranking fourth in team point-scoring behind the Sedins and Kesler, he helped the Canucks to the franchise's first Presidents' Trophy
Presidents' Trophy
The Presidents' Trophy is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the team that finishes with the most points in the league during the regular season. If two teams tie for the most points, then the trophy goes to the team with the most wins. The winning team is also awarded C$350,000...
as the team with the league's best regular season record.
Samuelsson struggled in the 2011 post-season
2011 Stanley Cup playoffs
The 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 13, 2011, after the conclusion of the 2010–11 NHL regular season. Game 1 of the Finals was held on June 1, while Game 7 was held on June 15...
as he returned from a lower-body injury that kept him from the six games near the end of the regular season. Recording three points over 11 games against the Blackhawks and Nashville Predators
Nashville Predators
The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...
in the first two rounds, he was demoted at one point to the Canucks' fourth line in the second round against Nashville; it was suspected he was playing through an injury. In Game 5 of the second round against Nashville, he fell to the ice while stretching to retrieve a loose puck and needed to be helped off the ice. Twelve days later on May 19, 2011, he underwent surgery for his adductor tendon
Tendon
A tendon is a tough band of fibrous connective tissue that usually connects muscle to bone and is capable of withstanding tension. Tendons are similar to ligaments and fasciae as they are all made of collagen except that ligaments join one bone to another bone, and fasciae connect muscles to other...
and a sports hernia, sidelining him for the remainder of the playoffs. With Samuelsson out of the lineup, Vancouver advanced to the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals
2011 Stanley Cup Finals
The 2011 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League , and the culmination of the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs. It was the 118th year of the Stanley Cup's presentation. The Eastern Conference Champion Boston Bruins defeated the Western Conference Champion Vancouver...
, where they were defeated in seven games by the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
.
Florida Panthers (from 2011)
After recovering from surgery, Samuelsson began the 2011–12 season2011–12 NHL season
The 2011–12 NHL season is the 95th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It is the fifth consecutive season that opens in Europe with NHL Premiere games. As with the previous season, three events are scheduled: two games will be held in Stockholm, Sweden; one game in Helsinki,...
with Vancouver. Less than a month into the campaign, on October 22, 2011, he was traded to the Florida Panthers
Florida Panthers
The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the...
along with fellow veteran forward Marco Sturm
Marco Sturm
Marco Johann Sturm is a German professional ice hockey winger with the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League . Sturm began his career with EV Landshut of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga, playing with the team from 1995 to 1997. Selected 21st overall in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose...
for forwards David Booth and Steven Reinprecht
Steven Reinprecht
Steven Edward "Steve" Reinprecht is a Canadian professional ice hockey player currently playing in the Vancouver Canucks organization. He most recently played on loan for Adler Mannheim of the German Deutsche Eishockey Liga ....
, as well as a 3rd round pick in the 2013 draft
2013 NHL Entry Draft
The 2013 NHL Entry Draft will be the 51st NHL Entry Draft. Date and location are still to be determined. -Traded picks:The order of the 2013 Entry Draft will be finalized upon the conclusion of the 2012–13 NHL season. However, some teams have already exchanged picks for this draft via trade...
.
International play
Samuelsson debuted for the Swedish national teamSwedish national men's ice hockey team
The Swedish men's national ice hockey team, or Tre Kronor , as it is called in Sweden, is one of the most successful ice hockey teams in the world...
at the 2005 World Championships
2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships
The 2005 Men's Ice Hockey Championships were held March 7 - May 15, 2005, in 7 cities in 6 countries: Vienna and Innsbruck, Austria ; Debrecen, Hungary ; Eindhoven, the Netherlands ; Zagreb, Croatia ; Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro ; Mexico City, Mexico...
in Austria
Austria
Austria , officially the Republic of Austria , is a landlocked country of roughly 8.4 million people in Central Europe. It is bordered by the Czech Republic and Germany to the north, Slovakia and Hungary to the east, Slovenia and Italy to the south, and Switzerland and Liechtenstein to the...
. He recorded five points in nine games as Sweden finished in fourth place, losing the bronze medal game to Russia. The following year, he competed in the 2006 Winter Olympics
Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics
-Leading scorers:-Leading goaltenders:Goalkeepers with 40% or more of their team's total minutes.-Awards:Antero Niittymäki was named the most valuable player and received the Directorate Award for best goaltender of the tournament. Directorate Awards also went to Teemu Selänne for best forward, and...
in Turin
Turin
Turin is a city and major business and cultural centre in northern Italy, capital of the Piedmont region, located mainly on the left bank of the Po River and surrounded by the Alpine arch. The population of the city proper is 909,193 while the population of the urban area is estimated by Eurostat...
. He contributed four points in eight games, while playing on a line with future Canucks teammates Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Samuelsson recorded an assist against Finland in the final, helping Sweden win gold. Several months later, he played for Sweden at the 2006 World Championships
2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships
The 2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships was the 70th such event hosted by the International Ice Hockey Federation. Teams representing 45 countries participated in four levels of competition. The competition also served as qualifications for the 2007 competition...
in Latvia
Latvia
Latvia , officially the Republic of Latvia , is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. It is bordered to the north by Estonia , to the south by Lithuania , to the east by the Russian Federation , to the southeast by Belarus and shares maritime borders to the west with Sweden...
. As Sweden beat the Czech Republic 4–0 in the final, Samuelsson earned his second gold medal of 2006. He recorded an international career-high nine points over eight games to tie for second in team scoring, while also leading Sweden in shots on goal.
Four years later, Samuelsson attracted media attention after being left off the Swedish roster for the 2010 Winter Olympics
Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics
Ice hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics was held at Canada Hockey Place, home of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks, and at UBC Winter Sports Centre, home of the Canadian Interuniversity Sport's UBC Thunderbirds. Twelve teams competed in the men's event and eight teams competed in the...
. He told reporters, "I pretty much have one comment and maybe I'll regret it. But they (Team Sweden officials) can go fuck themselves," adding that he was not interested in being later added to the roster in the event of an injury. His omission was highly publicized by Swedish media as he was in the midst of a career season with the Canucks (he went on to record the second-highest goals total among Swedish NHLers that season in 2009–10
2009–10 NHL season
The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010...
with 30). Sweden went on to lose to Slovakia in the quarterfinal, failing to medal.
Playing style
Samuelsson's primary offensive attribute is his shot. Rather than relying on stickhandling in the offensive zone, his primary tendency is to direct the puck towards the net, hoping for a rebound. Before becoming an offensive threat later in his career, he established himself first as a defensively responsible forward in the NHL, earning time on the penalty kill and against opposing team's top players. Strong on his skates, he is also noted to play aggressively, as well. As a result, Samuelsson is known as a versatile, two-way player.Personal life
Samuelsson was born in Mariefred, Sweden, a town 65 kilometres (40.4 mi) from StockholmStockholm
Stockholm is the capital and the largest city of Sweden and constitutes the most populated urban area in Scandinavia. Stockholm is the most populous city in Sweden, with a population of 851,155 in the municipality , 1.37 million in the urban area , and around 2.1 million in the metropolitan area...
. He and his wife, Sandra have two children – son William and daughter Stina. In the off-seasons, he returns with his family to the Stockholm area, where he owns a home in Nykvarn
Nykvarn
Nykvarn is a locality and since 1999 the seat of Nykvarn Municipality, Stockholm County, Sweden with 6,032 inhabitants in 2005. 1971-1998 it was in Södertälje Municipality. Nykvarn is the hometown of such bands as Hyena Breed, Feed Filiph, From Zero to Hero and Aldiureep...
. After the Red Wings' championship victory, he brought the Stanley Cup with him to Nykvarn and had a civic reception with the trophy in Mariefred on July 29, 2008. Aside from hockey, Samuelsson is an avid golfer.
In September 2010, Samuelsson posted an online charity auction for fans in Sweden to benefit minor hockey in Mariefred. The highest bidder at $6,500, won an all-expenses paid trip for two to Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
, featuring tickets to two Canucks games at Rogers Arena, access to the team's locker room and a five-night stay in Samuelsson's personal home. Samuelsson has also been involved in the NHL Players Association
NHL Players Association
The National Hockey League Players' Association or NHLPA is the labor union for the group of professional hockey players who are under Standard Player Contracts to the thirty member clubs in the National Hockey League located in the United States and Canada...
's Goals and Dreams program, which provides equipment to minor hockey teams around the world, including Mariefred.
Regular season and playoffs
| Regular season | Playoffs | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season Season (sports) In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an... |
Team | League | GP | G Goal (ice hockey) In ice hockey, a goal is scored when the puck completely crosses the goal line between the two goal posts and below the goal crossbar. A goal awards one point to the team attacking the goal scored upon, regardless of which team the player who actually deflected the puck into the goal belongs to... |
A Assist (ice hockey) In ice hockey, an assist is attributed to up to two players of the scoring team who shot, passed or deflected the puck towards the scoring teammate, or touched it in any other way which enabled the goal, meaning that they were "assisting" in the goal. There can be a maximum of two assists per goal... |
Pts Point (ice hockey) Point in ice hockey has three official meanings:* A point is awarded to a player for each goal scored or assist earned. The total number of goals plus assists equals total points. In some European leagues, a goal counts as two points, and an assist counts as one... |
PIM Penalty (ice hockey) A penalty in ice hockey is a punishment for inappropriate behavior. Most penalties are enforced by detaining the offending player within a penalty box for a set number of minutes, during which, the player can not participate in play. The offending team usually may not replace the player on the ice,... |
GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | ||
| 1994–95 | Södertälje SK Jr. | J20 J20 SuperElit J20 SuperElit is a junior ice hockey league composed of 20 teams in Sweden. It is the highest-level junior ice hockey league in Sweden. The teams are divided in two groups, or divisions, Norra and Södra , and are usually associated with a professional team in either Elitserien or HockeyAllsvenskan... |
30 | 8 | 6 | 14 | 12 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1995–96 | Södertälje SK Jr. | J20 | 22 | 13 | 12 | 25 | 20 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1995–96 | Södertälje SK Södertälje SK Södertälje Sportklubb is a Swedish professional ice hockey club playing in HockeyAllsvenskan. Södertälje were charter members of Elitserien when the league was founded in 1975 and have since played 24 seasons in the league... |
Swe-2 | 18 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 1996–97 | Södertälje SK Jr. | J20 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1996–97 | Södertälje SK | SEL Elitserien Elitserien, is a professional ice hockey league composed of twelve teams in Sweden... |
29 | 4 | 2 | 6 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1997–98 | Södertälje SK | SEL | 31 | 8 | 8 | 16 | 47 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1997–98 | IK Nyköping Nyköpings Hockey Nyköpings Hockey is an ice-hockey club from Nyköping in Sweden. It was founded in 1990, then called IK Nyköping Hockey 90 or NH90, as a merger of the ice hockey section of Nyköpings BIS and Nyköpings HL Nyköpings Hockey is an ice-hockey club from Nyköping in Sweden. It was founded in 1990, then... |
Swe-2 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 4 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1998–99 | Frölunda HC Frölunda HC Frölunda Hockey Club, also known as the Frölunda Indians, are a Swedish professional ice hockey club based in Gothenburg. They are currently playing in the highest Swedish league, Elitserien, where they have played the majority of the seasons during its existence. The last time they played in the... |
SEL | 27 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 10 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 1998–99 | Södertälje SK | Swe-2 | 18 | 13 | 10 | 23 | 26 | 10 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | ||
| 1999–00 | Brynäs IF Brynäs IF Brynäs IF is a professional Swedish ice hockey team from Gävle. The club plays in the highest Swedish league , and has done so since 1960.-History:... |
SEL | 40 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 76 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 9 | 6 | ||
| 2000–01 2000–01 AHL season The 2000–01 AHL season was the 65th season of the American Hockey League. The league realigns its divisions again. The Atlantic division is renamed the Canadian division. The Empire State division is replaced by the South division, with many teams shifting from the Mid-Atlantic division.Twenty... |
Kentucky Thoroughblades Kentucky Thoroughblades The Kentucky Thoroughblades were a minor professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League, who existed from 1996 to 2001. The Thoroughblades were based in Lexington, Kentucky, playing home games at Rupp Arena... |
AHL American Hockey League The American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League... |
66 | 32 | 46 | 78 | 58 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | ||
| 2000–01 | San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... |
NHL National Hockey League The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States... |
4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2001–02 2001–02 AHL season The 2001–02 AHL season was the 66th season of the American Hockey League. It was the season of the biggest growth in the AHL's history, as it accepted eight new teams. The demise of the International Hockey League brought six teams transferring from the defunct league, in addition to two expansion... |
Hartford Wolf Pack Hartford Wolf Pack The Connecticut Whale is a professional ice hockey team based in Hartford, Connecticut. They play in the American Hockey League . They play their home games at the XL Center.... |
AHL | 8 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 12 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2001–02 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
NHL | 67 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 23 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2002–03 | New York Rangers | NHL | 58 | 8 | 14 | 22 | 32 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2002–03 | Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... |
NHL | 22 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 8 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2003–04 | Florida Panthers Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... |
NHL | 37 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 35 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2004–05 | Genève-Servette HC Genève-Servette HC Genève-Servette HC, is a professional ice hockey team based in Geneva, Switzerland and compete in National League A.-History:* 1905 : Foundation of Servette FC's ice hockey section.... |
Swiss-A | 12 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 14 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2004–05 2004–05 Elitserien season The 2004–05 Elitserien season was the 30th season of Elitserien. It started on September 20, 2004, with the regular season ending March 1, 2005. The playoffs of the 81st Swedish Championship ended on April 11, with Frölunda HC taking the championship.... |
Södertälje SK | SEL | 29 | 7 | 13 | 20 | 45 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 24 | ||
| 2005–06 | Rapperswil-Jona Lakers Rapperswil-Jona Lakers The Rapperswil-Jona Lakers are a professional ice hockey club from Rapperswil, Switzerland and are members of the Swiss National League A. The Lakers were founded in 1945 and were known as SC Rapperswil-Jona until 2005, when the club changed to its present name... |
Swiss-A | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | — | ||
| 2005–06 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
NHL | 71 | 23 | 22 | 45 | 42 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | ||
| 2006–07 | Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 53 | 14 | 20 | 34 | 28 | 18 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 14 | ||
| 2007–08 | Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 73 | 11 | 29 | 40 | 26 | 22 | 5 | 8 | 13 | 8 | ||
| 2008–09 2008–09 NHL season The 2008–09 NHL season was the 92nd season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the first season since prior to the 2004–05 lockout in which every team played each other at least once during the season, following three seasons where teams only played against two divisions in the... |
Detroit Red Wings | NHL | 81 | 19 | 21 | 40 | 50 | 23 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 6 | ||
| 2009–10 2009–10 NHL season The 2009–10 NHL season was the 93rd season of operation of the National Hockey League , and the 100th season since the founding of the predecessor National Hockey Association . It ran from October 1, 2009, including four games in Europe on October 2 and 3—until April 11, 2010, with the 2010... |
Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,... |
NHL | 74 | 30 | 23 | 53 | 64 | 12 | 8 | 7 | 15 | 16 | ||
| 2010–11 2010–11 NHL season The 2010–11 NHL season was the 94th season of operation of the National Hockey League . It was the fourth consecutive season that opened in Europe with NHL Premiere . A record three events were scheduled, all in previous NHL Premiere cities: Helsinki, Finland; Stockholm, Sweden; and Prague, Czech... |
Vancouver Canucks | NHL | 75 | 18 | 32 | 50 | 36 | 11 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | ||
| NHL totals | 540 | 116 | 145 | 261 | 308 | 92 | 22 | 31 | 53 | 58 | ||||
International
| Year | Team | Comp | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 2005 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships The 2005 Men's Ice Hockey Championships were held March 7 - May 15, 2005, in 7 cities in 6 countries: Vienna and Innsbruck, Austria ; Debrecen, Hungary ; Eindhoven, the Netherlands ; Zagreb, Croatia ; Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro ; Mexico City, Mexico... |
Sweden | WC | 9 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| 2006 Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics -Leading scorers:-Leading goaltenders:Goalkeepers with 40% or more of their team's total minutes.-Awards:Antero Niittymäki was named the most valuable player and received the Directorate Award for best goaltender of the tournament. Directorate Awards also went to Teemu Selänne for best forward, and... |
Sweden | Oly | 8 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| 2006 2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships The 2006 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships was the 70th such event hosted by the International Ice Hockey Federation. Teams representing 45 countries participated in four levels of competition. The competition also served as qualifications for the 2007 competition... |
Sweden | WC | 8 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Int'l totals | 25 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 10 | ||
Statistics taken from Eliteprospects.com
Awards
| Award | Year |
|---|---|
| Winter Olympic gold medal (with Sweden) | 2006 Ice hockey at the 2006 Winter Olympics -Leading scorers:-Leading goaltenders:Goalkeepers with 40% or more of their team's total minutes.-Awards:Antero Niittymäki was named the most valuable player and received the Directorate Award for best goaltender of the tournament. Directorate Awards also went to Teemu Selänne for best forward, and... |
| World Championship gold medal (with Sweden) | 2006 2006 IIHF World Championship -Group B :All times local - Group C :All times local - Group D :All times local -Qualifying round:The top three teams from each group in the Preliminary round advance to the Qualifying Round... |
| Stanley Cup Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug... (with Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... ) |
2008 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs The 2008 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League began on April 9, 2008, after the 2007–08 regular season. The sixteen teams that qualified, eight from each conference, played best-of-7 series for conference quarterfinals, semifinals and championships, and then the conference champions... |
| Triple Gold Club Triple Gold Club The Triple Gold Club is a term used to describe ice hockey players and coaches who have won an Olympic Games gold medal, a World Championship gold medal, and the Stanley Cup, the championship trophy of the National Hockey League... |
2008 |
| NHL First Star of the Week | March 15, 2010 |
| NHL Second Star of the Week | February 6, 2011 |