BUFFALO, N.Y. – Western Michigan sophomore defenseman Mattias Samuelsson has signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday morning.

Samuelsson was selected 32nd overall with the first pick in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft by the Sabres, becoming the second-highest draft pick in WMU hockey history.

"We are very pleased with Mattias' growth both at Western Michigan and on the international stage," Sabres general manager Jason Botterill said in a release by Buffalo. "He possesses a unique combination of size, speed and skill, and we look forward to working with him on his next steps as a pro."

The Voorhees, N.J., native wraps up his Bronco hockey career playing in 65 career games, scoring 26 points on seven goals and 19 assists. Samuelsson had 14 points in 30 games played this season, tallying two goals and 12 assists while finishing with a plus/minus of +17. Samuelsson was third on the team in blocked shots with 38. He was also a finalist for the National Collegiate Hockey Conference's Defensive Defenseman of the Year Award.

"Having Mattias with us for the last two years was special," said WMU head coach Andy Murray. "He is mature beyond his years as a person and a player. Having his older brother Lukas on our team has been enjoyable for both of them and is something that brings a smile to ones face. Mattias came to us as a very good player and he is leaving as a pro.

Samuelsson is the fifth Bronco to sign a pro contract during the off-season, joining senior Cam Lee (Pittsburgh Penguins), Hugh McGing (St. Louis Blues), Austin Rueschhoff (New York Rangers) and Dawson DiPietro (Buffalo Sabres).