Samuelsson moved to North America in 2000–01 to begin playing within the San Jose Sharks organization. He was assigned to the club's American Hockey League (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.