Insider identifies Laurent Brossoit as frontrunner to replace Ilya Samsonov

The Maple Leafs have hitched their wagon to Samsonov for two years running, first opting for a Matt Murray/Ilya Samsonv tandem in 2022-23, before rolling with an Ilya Samsonov/Joseph Woll tandem this past season, with mixed results.

Samsonov had proven himself to be a very capable goalie in 2022-23, posting a 27-10-5 record, with a 2.33 GAA and a .919 SV%, helping the Leafs to secure their first playoff series win in nearly 20 years. However, a lacklustre 2023-24 campaign left a lot to be desired.

In 40 appearances for the Leafs this past season, Samsonov amassed a 23-7-8 record, which looks great on paper. But, when you dig a little deeper, his 3.13 GAA and .890 SV% certainly left a lot to be desired.

Laurent Brossoit, on the other hand, put up an astonishing 15-5-2 record with Winnipeg this past season, posting a sparkling 2.00 GAA and .927 SV%, playing behind Connor Hellebuyck - a sign that the 31-year-old is perhaps ready for a larger role with a new NHL team next season.

Brossoit is expected to test free agency on July 1st and with the Leafs' number one need likely being a more stable goaltender than the erratic and unpredictable Ilya Samsonov, Brossoit may very well fit the bill.

There's still a large contingent of fans who would like to see the Leafs go out and swing big this summer, nabbing a true #1 netminder on the trade market, but if they can't get their hands on one, Brossoit would certainly be a nice "Plan B" option.