Last Updated on November 7, 2026 by Carmen Marins
Mattias Samuelsson is an American professional ice hockey player who plays as a defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL). Born on March 14, 2000, in Pennsylvania, United States, Samuelsson grew up in Voorhees, New Jersey, in a family with strong connections to professional ice hockey.
His parents are Kjell Samuelsson and Vicki Samuelsson. His father is a former NHL defenseman and Stanley Cup champion who represented Sweden internationally. Mattias also has three siblings: an older brother named Lukas Samuelsson and two sisters named Alexandra and Gabriella Samuelsson.
In his personal life, Samuelsson is engaged. He publicly discussed his engagement during an official Buffalo Sabres interview in December 2025. However, his fiancée’s identity has not been reliably established through major hockey publications, and there is no public confirmation that he has children.
Mattias Samuelsson’s Girlfriend: Is He Dating Anyone?
Mattias Samuelsson is engaged to his romantic partner, according to an official Buffalo Sabres interview published on December 18, 2025.
The defenseman discussed the engagement while appearing on the team’s “Sabres Live” program with hosts Brian Duff and Martin Biron.
During the interview, Samuelsson also discussed playing alongside Rasmus Dahlin, his responsibilities on Buffalo’s penalty-killing unit and his affection for the Jersey Shore.
The conversation provided a rare public acknowledgment of an important development in his personal life.
Although Samuelsson has gained considerable recognition through his NHL career, he generally maintains privacy regarding his romantic relationships.
His interviews usually concentrate on professional hockey, teammates, family experiences and life in Buffalo.
Who Is Mattias Samuelsson’s Fiancée?
Mattias Samuelsson’s fiancée has not been reliably identified by name in the official Buffalo Sabres reporting reviewed for this profile.
The December 2025 interview confirmed that he had become engaged but did not provide publicly accessible biographical details about his partner.
Information about her age, occupation, educational background and family has also not been independently established through reputable hockey publications.
The couple have kept many details about their relationship private, including how they first met and when they began dating.
Without reliable confirmation, it would be inaccurate to identify a particular woman as his fiancée.
Is Mattias Samuelsson Married?
There is no publicly verified information confirming that Mattias Samuelsson is married.
Although he discussed his engagement in December 2025, no subsequent wedding announcement has been independently established through official NHL reporting.
The exact date of his engagement and any planned wedding ceremony have not been reliably documented.
Therefore, Samuelsson is publicly known to be engaged rather than confirmed to be married.
Mattias Samuelsson’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Mattias Samuelsson has children.
The Buffalo Sabres defenseman has not made a widely documented announcement about becoming a father, and established hockey publications have not identified any sons or daughters.
Most information about his family concerns his parents, siblings and engagement.
Without confirmation from Samuelsson or a trustworthy source, claims about children would be speculative.
Mattias Samuelsson’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Mattias Samuelsson’s parents are Kjell Samuelsson and Vicki Samuelsson.
Their identities are confirmed by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s official Team USA athlete biography.
His father is originally from Sweden, while his mother comes from Pennsylvania, United States.
The couple raised their four children in the Voorhees area of New Jersey, where Mattias developed his passion for hockey.
Mattias Samuelsson’s Father: Kjell Samuelsson
Kjell Samuelsson is Mattias Samuelsson’s father and one of the most influential figures in his hockey development.
Born on October 18, 1958, in Tingsryd, Sweden, Kjell established a successful professional hockey career as a defenseman.
He developed through the Swedish hockey system before moving to North America to pursue opportunities in the NHL.
The New York Rangers selected him in the sixth round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft, 119th overall.
Kjell made his NHL debut during the 1985–86 season and subsequently represented several organizations, including the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers.
During his professional career, he appeared in 813 NHL regular-season games, recording 48 goals and 138 assists for 186 points.
Standing approximately 6 feet 6 inches tall, Kjell was recognized for his physical playing style and defensive abilities.
His imposing stature earned him the nickname “Big Kjell” among hockey fans.
Kjell Samuelsson’s Stanley Cup Victory
One of the most important achievements of Kjell Samuelsson’s professional career came in 1992.
That year, he helped the Pittsburgh Penguins win the Stanley Cup, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks in the championship series.
Kjell also represented Sweden internationally, including at the 1991 IIHF World Championship, where Sweden won the gold medal.
His successful career gave Mattias an early introduction to the demands of professional hockey.
After retiring as a player, Kjell remained involved in the sport through coaching and player development.
He worked within the Philadelphia Flyers organization, including positions connected to the team’s American Hockey League affiliate and its player development program.
His continued involvement in hockey gave Mattias opportunities to learn from experienced coaches and professional athletes.
How Kjell Samuelsson Influenced His Son’s Career
Growing up with a former NHL player as his father allowed Mattias Samuelsson to become familiar with professional hockey from an early age.
In a June 2017 interview with USA Hockey, Mattias explained that his father introduced him to skating when he was approximately two years old.
Kjell helped him develop basic skating techniques and an understanding of the sport.
However, Mattias explained that his father did not serve as his regular head coach during youth hockey.
Instead, Kjell occasionally assisted with practices and provided advice when necessary.
In February 2018, NHL.com published a feature discussing how Kjell helped his son prepare for the NHL Draft.
Mattias explained that his father sometimes approached their conversations from the perspective of a professional player development coach.
Those discussions helped him identify weaknesses, improve his defensive positioning and understand the importance of physical play.
Kjell also encouraged his son to use his height and strength effectively while remaining disciplined.
Mattias has frequently credited his father with helping him develop the confidence and work ethic required to compete at the NHL level.
Mattias Samuelsson’s Mother: Vicki Samuelsson
Mattias Samuelsson’s mother is Vicki Samuelsson, an American originally from Pennsylvania.
Her identity is confirmed by Team USA’s official athlete biography.
Vicki helped raise Mattias and his three siblings while supporting the family’s involvement in competitive hockey.
She has strong family connections to the Pittsburgh area, where many of her relatives have lived.
Those connections became particularly meaningful when Mattias made his NHL debut against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
In an April 2021 interview with Buffalo Hockey Beat, Samuelsson explained that his mother’s side of the family still lived in Pittsburgh.
He also reflected on the special connection between the city and his father’s 1992 Stanley Cup victory.
The circumstances made his first NHL appearance especially memorable because it involved a city connected to both sides of his family.
Although Vicki has supported her son’s hockey development, information about her occupation, education and personal background has not been extensively documented in major hockey publications.
She has generally maintained a private life outside professional sports media attention.
Mattias Samuelsson’s Siblings: Meet His Brother and Two Sisters
Mattias Samuelsson has three siblings: Lukas Samuelsson, Alexandra Samuelsson and Gabriella Samuelsson.
The names of all three are confirmed in the official Team USA athlete biography.
Lukas is Mattias’s older brother and has played competitive ice hockey. His sisters, Alexandra and Gabriella, have maintained comparatively private lives.
Lukas Samuelsson: Mattias Samuelsson’s Older Brother
Lukas Samuelsson is Mattias Samuelsson’s older brother and a former collegiate ice hockey player.
He was born on October 8, 1996, in Voorhees, New Jersey, United States.
Like Mattias, Lukas developed an interest in hockey while growing up in a household connected to the NHL.
He played organized hockey during childhood and later pursued opportunities in junior and collegiate competition.
Lukas represented the Toronto Predators in the Greater Metro Junior A Hockey League before joining Western Michigan University.
During his junior hockey career, he recorded 24 goals and 12 assists for 36 points in 40 games with the Toronto Predators.
He later played as a forward for the Western Michigan Broncos in NCAA Division I hockey.
According to the university’s official player biography, Lukas also earned recognition for his academic achievements.
How Lukas Samuelsson Inspired Mattias
Lukas played an important role in introducing Mattias to competitive hockey.
In a 2017 USA Hockey interview, Mattias explained that watching his older brother play helped him develop an interest in the sport.
As children, both brothers initially developed as defensemen.
However, Lukas eventually transitioned into a forward, while Mattias remained a defenseman like their father.
The brothers shared a childhood filled with hockey practices, games and opportunities to learn from their father’s experience.
Their relationship also influenced Mattias’s decision about where to attend college.
In April 2018, USA Hockey reported that the brothers had discussed the possibility of playing college hockey together.
Western Michigan University provided that opportunity.
Lukas was already a student-athlete with the Broncos when Mattias joined the program for the 2018–19 season.
Being teammates allowed the brothers to share another important chapter of their hockey careers.
Their father also had a connection to Western Michigan head coach Andy Murray, who had previously coached Kjell during his NHL career.
Those family connections helped make Western Michigan an attractive destination for Mattias.
Alexandra Samuelsson: Mattias Samuelsson’s Sister
Alexandra Samuelsson is one of Mattias Samuelsson’s two sisters.
Her relationship to the NHL defenseman is confirmed by his official Team USA biography.
Alexandra grew up in the same New Jersey family as Mattias, Lukas and Gabriella.
Although her name is publicly documented, reliable sports publications provide limited information about her age, educational background, occupation and personal relationships.
Unlike her brother Mattias, who established a professional NHL career, Alexandra has generally remained outside the public spotlight.
There is no reliable public confirmation that she pursued competitive hockey or another professional sport.
Gabriella Samuelsson: Mattias Samuelsson’s Sister
Gabriella Samuelsson is Mattias Samuelsson’s other sister.
Her identity is also confirmed through Team USA’s official athlete biography.
Gabriella was raised in the family household in Voorhees, New Jersey.
She shares the family’s Swedish and American heritage through their parents, Kjell and Vicki.
However, detailed information about Gabriella’s education, occupation and personal life has not been widely documented.
Her age and involvement in competitive sports have also not been reliably established through major hockey publications.
As a result, further details about her private life should not be assumed without confirmation.
Mattias Samuelsson’s Uncle: Jan Samuelsson
Mattias Samuelsson also has a paternal uncle named Jan Samuelsson.
His relationship to the Buffalo Sabres defenseman is listed in the Elite Prospects hockey database.
Jan is connected to the Samuelsson family’s Swedish hockey background.
Although his name appears in the family’s hockey records, detailed public information about his personal life and relationship with Mattias is limited.
Mattias Samuelsson’s Swedish Family Heritage
One of the most distinctive aspects of Mattias Samuelsson’s family is its connection to Sweden.
Although Mattias grew up in the United States, his father was born and raised in Sweden before moving to North America for professional hockey.
The family regularly traveled to Sweden during the summer months.
In interviews with Swedish publications, Mattias explained that his family maintained a summer home in Leksand.
He spent many childhood summers visiting relatives and enjoying activities in Sweden.
Those experiences helped him maintain a connection to his father’s homeland.
Mattias also learned to speak Swedish while growing up, although he later acknowledged that his fluency had declined because he spent most of his time in the United States.
His dual cultural background became particularly interesting during international hockey tournaments when he represented the United States against Sweden.
In a December 2018 interview with Swedish broadcaster SVT, Mattias discussed the unusual experience of competing against his father’s home country.
He explained that representing the United States was important to him, even though he remained proud of his Swedish heritage.
Mattias Samuelsson’s Childhood and Family Background
Mattias Samuelsson grew up in Voorhees Township, New Jersey, near Philadelphia.
His father’s NHL career and subsequent work with the Philadelphia Flyers helped expose him to professional hockey from an early age.
He began skating when he was approximately two years old and quickly developed a passion for the sport.
His older brother Lukas provided inspiration, while Kjell offered technical guidance based on his own experience as an NHL defenseman.
As Mattias grew older, he pursued organized youth hockey and developed into a promising defensive prospect.
He eventually joined the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, where he competed against some of the most talented young players in North America.
During his time with the program, Samuelsson became recognized for his physical playing style, defensive awareness and leadership qualities.
How Mattias Samuelsson’s Family Influenced His NHL Career
Family encouragement played an important role in Mattias Samuelsson’s development into a professional hockey player.
His father provided knowledge about defensive play, while his older brother helped inspire his passion for the sport.
His mother and sisters formed part of the family environment that supported him as he pursued higher levels of competition.
In 2016, Samuelsson captained the United States team that won gold at the Winter Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway.
He later served as captain of the American team at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship, where the United States earned a silver medal.
His leadership and defensive abilities attracted attention from NHL scouts.
On June 23, 2018, the Buffalo Sabres selected Samuelsson in the second round of the NHL Entry Draft, 32nd overall.
The achievement represented another important milestone for a family with extensive experience in professional hockey.
Mattias and Lukas Samuelsson at Western Michigan University
After being drafted by Buffalo, Mattias joined Western Michigan University, where his older brother Lukas was already playing college hockey.
The opportunity to represent the same program was especially meaningful because the brothers had previously discussed their ambition of becoming college teammates.
Mattias played two seasons with the Broncos from 2018 to 2020.
During that period, he appeared in 65 games, recording seven goals and 19 assists for 26 points.
He also developed a reputation as a dependable defensive player capable of competing against experienced college opponents.
On March 25, 2020, Samuelsson signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres.
Western Michigan head coach Andy Murray praised his maturity and development while acknowledging the special experience of coaching both Samuelsson brothers.
Mattias Samuelsson’s NHL Debut and Family Connections
Mattias Samuelsson made his NHL debut on April 18, 2021, against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The occasion carried special meaning because of his family’s connections to Pittsburgh.
His father had helped the Penguins win the Stanley Cup in 1992, while his mother was originally from the Pittsburgh area.
Before the game, Samuelsson participated in the traditional rookie solo lap during warmups.
He later reflected on the excitement and nerves associated with making his first NHL appearance.
Although the moment represented the beginning of his NHL career, it also highlighted the influence of two generations of the Samuelsson family on professional hockey.
Mattias subsequently developed into an important member of Buffalo’s defensive lineup.
He signed a seven-year, $30 million contract extension with the Sabres in October 2022.
During the 2025–26 NHL season, he recorded 13 goals and 28 assists for 41 points in 78 regular-season games, establishing new personal bests.
His improved performances helped Buffalo return to the Stanley Cup playoffs, while his father’s advice continued to influence his approach to training and development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mattias Samuelsson’s Family
Who is Mattias Samuelsson’s girlfriend?
Mattias Samuelsson is engaged. He discussed the engagement during a Buffalo Sabres interview in December 2025, although his fiancée’s name has not been reliably confirmed in the official reporting reviewed.
Is Mattias Samuelsson married?
There is no verified public confirmation that Mattias Samuelsson is married. He has publicly acknowledged his engagement.
Does Mattias Samuelsson have children?
There is no publicly verified information indicating that Mattias Samuelsson has children.
Who is Mattias Samuelsson’s father?
His father is Kjell Samuelsson, a former Swedish NHL defenseman who won the Stanley Cup with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1992.
Who is Mattias Samuelsson’s mother?
His mother is Vicki Samuelsson, an American originally from Pennsylvania.
How many siblings does Mattias Samuelsson have?
Mattias Samuelsson has three siblings: Lukas Samuelsson, Alexandra Samuelsson and Gabriella Samuelsson.
Who is Lukas Samuelsson?
Lukas Samuelsson is Mattias’s older brother, born on October 8, 1996. He played college hockey at Western Michigan University.
Who are Mattias Samuelsson’s sisters?
His sisters are Alexandra Samuelsson and Gabriella Samuelsson. Their identities are confirmed in his official Team USA biography.
Who is Mattias Samuelsson’s uncle?
His paternal uncle is Jan Samuelsson, whose family relationship is listed in the Elite Prospects hockey database.
Is Mattias Samuelsson Swedish?
Mattias Samuelsson is American with Swedish family heritage. His father was born in Sweden, while his mother is from Pennsylvania. Mattias has represented the United States in international hockey competitions.
Where is Mattias Samuelsson’s family from?
Mattias grew up in Voorhees, New Jersey. His father is originally from Tingsryd, Sweden, while his mother has family connections to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Combining a deep passion for hockey with an analytical mindset, Carmen Marins covers the NHL from the opening night of the season all the way through the Stanley Cup playoffs. She focuses on game strategy, team chemistry, trade deadline updates, and player performance metrics, breaking down high-speed ice action into engaging, accessible insights for readers.
