Junior Samuelsson was drafted by the
Sarnia Sting in the fourth round of the 2016
Ontario Hockey League draft, but chose not to play there.
College After originally committing to the
University of Michigan, Samuelsson de-committed and went to
Western Michigan University instead. He played two seasons at Western Michigan, where he recorded seven goals and 19 assists. He was an alternate captain for the team in his sophomore year, despite being the youngest player on the team.
Professional Samuelsson was drafted in the second round, 32nd overall, by the
Buffalo Sabres in the
2018 NHL entry draft. He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Sabres on March 25, 2020. . Samuelsson made his NHL debut with the Sabres on April 18, 2021, in a 4–2 win against the
Pittsburgh Penguins. On October 12, 2022, he was signed to a seven-year, $30 million contract extension. Samuelsson scored his first NHL goal on November 30, in a 5–4 shootout win over the
Detroit Red Wings. On February 4, 2024, Samuelsson was ruled out for the rest of the
2023–24 season due to an injury sustained in a January 23 game against the
Anaheim Ducks. During the season he recorded one goal and six assists for seven points in 41 games. ==International play==