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Maple Leafs make a final decision with goaltender Ilya Samsonov

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Samer Dagher
May 15, 2024  (7:40 PM)
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Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov
Photo credit: The Leafs Nation

It appears the Toronto Maple Leafs have decided on the future of goaltender Ilya Samsonov. After a season of ups and downs, it looks like the 27-year-old Russian's time with the team is coming to an end.

Samsonov signed a one-year, $3.55 million contract following impressive playoff performances against the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, he struggled with consistency and was even sent to the AHL's Marlies at one point. In the playoffs, Samsonov couldn't deliver the crucial saves, leading to Joseph Woll stepping in to get the Leafs back on track.

Although Leafs management hasn't explicitly stated they'll let Samsonov go, their end-of-season press conference hinted at it. According to a report from Daily Faceoff, Samsonov's mental game has been a weak point, and Leafs management didn't endorse him as part of the team's future plans.

"Samsonov is clearly a talented athlete, but the space between his ears has failed him one too many times during his tenure between Toronto's pipes. Treliving passed up any opportunity to name him as a piece of the Leafs' net last week during management's season-ending presser. It simply makes little sense to bring back a netminder with a penchant for allowing backbreaking goals."

Given Samsonov's inconsistency, it's unlikely he'll stay with the Leafs. The team might prefer to keep Martin Jones as Joseph Woll's backup, with Dennis Hildeby ready to step in if needed. They may also explore the free agent and trade markets for a potential replacement.

Do you think Ilya Samsonov is a number one goaltender in the NHL?

As seen on houseofhockeyThe Maple Leafs already took a decision regarding Ilya Samsonov

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Maple Leafs make a final decision with goaltender Ilya Samsonov

Do you think Ilya Samsonov is a number one goaltender in the NHL?

Yes12312 %
No90688 %
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