With NHL play set to resume following the lockout, Samuelsson was contacted by Håkan Andersson, director of European scouting for the Detroit Red Wings, in the summer of 2005. Still in Europe, he was loaned from Södertälje SK to the Swiss Rapperswil-Jona Lakers for two games in early-September. Samuelsson competed in one game for the Lakers before signing a one-year contract with the Red Wings. Joining Detroit marked a turning point in his career. Playing mainly on the third line, he was used on the power play and emerged as a legitimate offensive player in the NHL. During his first season with the Red Wings, he recorded 23 goals, 22 assists and 45 points in 71 games. He missed nine games late in the campaign due to a wrist injury, but returned for the playoffs. Seeded first overall in the Western Conference, Detroit was eliminated in the opening round by the Edmonton Oilers. Samuelsson notched an assist while appearing in the first six NHL playoff games of his career.