It has been announced that the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a one-year $1.8 million dollar contract. The Atheltic’s Arthur Staple had this report first. As Ilya Samsonov signs with the Leafs, look for other teams to make goalie moves to adjust.
🖊 We’ve signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a one-year contract. #LeafsForever
— Toronto Maple Leafs (@MapleLeafs) July 13, 2022
Ilya Samsonov Signs with Leafs
Over his three-year NHL career, Samsonov has solely played for the Washington Capitals since he was originally drafted by them in the first round, second overall of the 2015 NHL draft. He has started in 79 of his 89 games played. And has achieved a save percentage of .908 and a goals-against-average of 2.94 in those career games.
Last season, Samsonov started between the pipes in 28 games out of 33 and achieved a .898 SV% and a GAA of 2.92. He also had two shutouts. He was not qualified by the Caps this offseason which let him walk to UFA status.
What This Means for the Future
Samsonov’s new contract will likely make him a tandem option. The Leafs did just recently trade for Matt Murray. However, it seems likely the two will split duties. Regardless, Samsonov is looking to restart his career after failing to live up to the hype.
The 25-year-old is a solid goaltender and will be relied upon further heading into the next season. It is hoped by then younger players will get more game time and defensively will match the offensive powerhouses. Samsonov will be key to the team’s success. With more responsibility, next season will give the young goaltender further experience. It will be interesting to see how they split the net. Murray’s health has always been an issue so there could be a possibility for Samsonov to take the net for parts at a time.
Toronto will be looking to finally make it over the hump and win a round. This season, they will be doing it with two new goalies.
Ilya Samsonov gets the nod in net for Game 3, per head coach Peter Laviolette.#CapsCats pic.twitter.com/viB3XVJmOc
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 7, 2022
