Last week, the Toronto Maple Leafs placed goaltender Ilya Samsonov on waivers. The plan was for him to work with the development staff on and off the ice to figure out why he was struggling and to help him regain his form from last season. After being assigned to the AHL's Toronto Marlies, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Samsonov would play at least one game in the American Hockey League, however, that won't be the case.
Yesterday, Samsonov joined the Toronto Marlies for a practice while the Leafs put a beating on the San Jose Sharks. Today, the Leafs announced that they have recalled Samsonov and sent rookie netminder Dennis Hildeby back to the Marlies.
Martin Jones has played in five straight games for the Leafs, winning his last four and only giving up 3 goals in the process. The Leafs are likely looking to give Jones a night or two off with the Leafs playing three games over the next four days beginning tomorrow in Long Island against the New York Islanders.
Hopefully the past week away from the media and working with the development staff has done enough to help Samsonov find his game and regain his confidence. If not, the Leafs will have to hope that Joseph Woll returns sooner than later from his ankle sprain. Woll resumed skating this week, though Sheldon Keefe has already stated that the young netminder is not close to returning.
