Ilya Samsonov was already well-liked in Toronto, but a recent act of kindness is endearing him to Leafs Nation even more
Newly signed Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov has already endeared himself to Leafs Nation by providing the team with something it hasn't had in a while - a calm, cool demeanor in net and consistently solid goaltending. However, we now have a new reason to appreciate him. His kindness and generous heart.
Per Joshua Kloke of The Athletic, Samsonov has taken a young Leafs prospect under his wing. It's been a very tough year for 21-year-old Rodion Amirov, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the beginning of this year and then had to endure 4 rounds of chemotherapy treatments while he battled against cancer. It cost him an entire season and frequent trips to Germany for his treatments, but now that he has completed his chemotherapy, he has been in Toronto, working out with the team's trainers and joining team meetings and all sorts of other team functions.
Amirov was among a handful of Leafs honoured during the team's home opening ceremonies who weren't on the active roster. Being around the team has been a dream come true for Amirov. He also made a new friend in Samsonov, who helped him live out another one of his dreams that night. Meeting his hero, Alex Ovechkin.
Amirov was nervous being around the team for the first time, but Samsonov made him feel like he belonged and helped guide him through his first real experiences with the group. Sammy has been applauded for extending the hand of friendship to a young player, coming in wide-eyed and overwhelmed, but the way he sees it, it was nothing special. Something that anyone would do for a young player coming up.
"I think it's normal. When I came to DC in my first year (Evgeny Kuznetsov) and (Alex Ovechkin) helped me. Everybody said, 'If you need anything, we will help you, whatever you want. If you ask questions, we will help,'"
-Samsonov on paying it forward to Amirov
-Samsonov on paying it forward to Amirov
Following the game, a 3-2 win for the Buds, Samsonov tracked down Ovechkin and Kuznetsov outside of the visitors dressing room at Scotiabank Arena so that Amirov could meet them. Amirov, like many young Russian players, idolized Ovechkin growing up. Now, thanks to Samsonov, he had not only met the multi-time Rocket Richard Trophy winner and arguably the best goal scorer in the history of the sport - but he got the chance to speak with his idol. That's something he'll remember forever. Samsonov wanted to do something special for Amirov, not only as a teammate that has gone through the unthinkable, but also as a way of bonding with the young Russian winger.
"Before the NHL, you only see Ovechkin in video games. But one moment will stay with him."
-Samsonov on helping create a lasting memory for Amirov
-Samsonov on helping create a lasting memory for Amirov
This guy makes it REALLY easy to root for him, man. Ilya Samsonov: all around good guy. I've been happy to see him do well to start his Leafs career and even happier to know that not only does he himself feel welcomed and supported, but that he's helping another member of the team to feel the same way.
Previously on MapleLeafsDaily
| POLL | ||
OCTOBRE 27 | 457 ANSWERS Ilya Samsonov was already well-liked in Toronto, but a recent act of kindness is endearing him to Leafs Nation even more How long should Ilya Samsonov's next contract be in Toronto? | ||
| 1-3 years | 199 | 43.5 % |
| 4-5 years | 189 | 41.4 % |
| 6-7 years | 25 | 5.5 % |
| Max 8-year term | 44 | 9.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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