An irritating update regarding Ilya Samsonov and the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Maple Leafs/X
The Toronto Maple Leafs and Ilya Samsonov were originally believed to be headed towards a split this summer, but the latest information may suggest otherwise.
David Alter of The Hockey News has revealed on Friday that, per an unnamed source close to Samsonov, the Leafs and the Russian goalie have not come to the point where the door is entirely shut on having the 27-year-old return next season.
Per Alter, the team has not approached Samsonov to inform him of their plans in free agency, nor have they reached out to give him the heads up that he'll be going to market. So, at this point, it does seem like there is a mutual interest in at least talking about a potential return next season.
Samsonov played 40 games for the Leafs last season, producing a 23-7-8 record to go along with a 3.13 GAA and a .890 SV%.
The news comes after 3 goalies have come off the market, with Jacob Markstrom having been dealt to New Jersey, Darcy Kuemper landing in Los Angeles and Alex Nedeljkovic inking an extension to remain in Pittsburgh.
The Leafs have previously been linked to a number of NHL goaltenders, including starter Juuse Saros, as well as backups Laurent Brossoit and Anthony Stolarz.
Samsonov's 23 wins lead all pending UFA goalies. We'll see where this goes.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 21 | 1036 ANSWERS An irritating update regarding Ilya Samsonov and the Maple Leafs Should the Leafs consider bringing Ilya Samsonov back this summer? | ||
| Yes, he's the best of what's available | 130 | 12.5 % |
| No, been there, done that | 698 | 67.4 % |
| The AAV would have to be low | 208 | 20.1 % |
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