Evaluating Stays in Motown: Mikael Samuelsson

by Casey Richey on Jul 5, 2009 9:57 AM CDT in Analysis/Reaction

Year	Games	Goals	Assists	Points	+/-	PIM
05-06	71	23	22	45	+27	42
06-07	53	14	20	34	+1	28
07-08	73	11	29	40	+21	26
08-09	81	19	21	40	0	50
Total	278	67	92	159	+49	146

How he came to Detroit: Samuelsson was one of the pickups made following the 2004-2005 lockout and found his game immediately after getting to Detroit. Up until he joined the Red Wings, he had previously spent very mediocre seasons in San Jose, New York (Rangers), Pittsburgh, and Florida. Initially, Samuelsson signed a one year contract but was then rewarded with a three year extension following his first season in red and white.

Impact of his stay: Samuelsson is the classic story of a player finding his game and blossoming in a system. That's not to say that he won't be productive in Vancouver, but rather that the Red Wings were a perfect fit. He went from 3 goals in 37 games played for Florida (.08 g/game) to 23 goals in 71 games in his first year in Detroit (.32 g/game). One of the best assets of Samuelsson is that he was very good at responding and working with new linemates when he was switched around through the lineup.

Highs in Motown: Scoring the first two goals of Game 1 of 2008 Stanley Cup Finals has to be up there as well as winning the Cup that year. As far as a high point from this season, you could point to the overtime game winning goal against the Blackhawks for sure. No doubt about it, Sammy had a thing for clutch goals.

Lows in Motown: Most of these are on the defensive end for Samuelsson. He played great offensive zone hockey but was very lost at times in the defensive end. The most notable as many fans will agree on is the very slack defense he played on Tyler Kennedy in Game 6 of the 2009 Stanley Cup Finals.

Replaceable? Yes, very replaceable. As I hinted at before, Sammy was a guy that truly blossomed and reached his potential in Detroit. Yes he will be missed at times but the player development by the Wings organization is the best in the league and a replacement can be found.

Overall "Grade" for his stay: I give a B, close to a B+ but the defensive lapses are hard to overlook at times.

In the end, Sammy was a great third liner for the Red Wings. He wanted a lot of money and he deserves it. It's hard to develop talent like Samuelsson and keep him for a reasonably low price because let's face it: even though he was a 3rd liner in Detroit, he's a 2nd maybe 1st liner else where at this point in his career.

I know I wish him the best in the rest of his career, as long as he's not playing the Wings.

Poll

How would you grade Mikael Samuelsson's career in Detroit?

A

20 votes

B

286 votes

C

178 votes

D

11 votes

F

12 votes

507 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Good luck, Sammy

I think Holland is doing a lil youth movement this year, then he’ll add a big-time player at the trade deadline.

by JazzyBBP on Jul 5, 2009 10:25 AM CDT reply actions

Yes, Good Luck Sammy (You're going to need it)

I don’t think Samuelsson is going to enjoy the type of success in Vancouver that he had in Detroit. He was the weakest link on the second unit powerplay here (Poor shot selection and inability to hold the blue line) and he’s not going to get those opportunities in Vancouver.

I also agree with JazzyBBP Post #1. Holland is ready to unleash the Grand Rapids Kids and find out what they can do. However if Howard can’t cut it in the NHL look for a back-up Goaltender coming in long before the trade deadline.

by Graywolf on Jul 5, 2009 3:23 PM CDT reply actions

Wish the Best

True Wing fans should have nice things to say about guys who leave Detroit wearing rings. Sammy was my type of player most of the time, shooting from everywhere, sometimes he’d find a good set up. As stated he did turn over the puck in bad locations, I’m still not sure the point on a power play was the best spot for him. He was a keeper but he vacates a spot for one of the young guns, good business move. I believe every ex-Wing moves up a notch on another team, he’s a second liner there in Vancouver, with the Sedins, Vancouver has improved 10 points. Hossa, who was ordinary with the Wings will help the Hawks in regular season, I still think he is a playoff jinx. Kopecky, fourth liner, can’t see him producing, I still think the Hawks will be 10 points better.

by Jim P on Jul 5, 2009 10:40 PM CDT reply actions

I'll miss "The Shooter"

My family gave Samuelsson that nickname from one of the Mighty Ducks movies where the coach yells out to his team on the ice “get the shooter” – because he never met a shot he didn’t like. He was an underrated offensive player who, like the evaluation above mentioned, really found his game in the Wings’ system. When he played with Hank and Mule, you never saw better cycling in the offensive zone. I agree with the comments on his shaky defense, but his offensive skills, hustle and experience far out-weighed his defensive shortcomings. I called him an unsung hero of last year’s cup run – for filling in when guys like Hank and Mule were injured, and for his performance in the playoffs. He’ll be missed, but I’m excited to see the young guys getting their chance next season.

by AZWingNut on Jul 7, 2009 5:06 PM CDT reply actions