Former Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Hits Rock Bottom
Photo credit: Imagn Images
Former Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov is a free agent right now, and after a disappointing season in Las Vegas, there is no telling what his future is.
Ilya Samsonov's first season with the Toronto Maple Leafs was solid enough; however, his second season was a bit of a disappointment.
A sub .900 save percentage and a goals-against average of 3.13 had some fans confused about why he declined so quickly.
Last year, he signed a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Golden Knights, and it was expected he would be the backup to Adin Hill. Even in that role, he was mediocre.
Ilya Samsonov remains a free agent
In a new report from Bleacher Report, it was made apparent that even with the goalie market as thin as it is, teams simply are not picking up the phone on Samsonov.
Writer Kristopher Knox suggests Samsonov will have no choice but to become an "understudy" of sorts. In fact, Knox claims Samsonov may have to go to a rebuilding team.
If Samsonov is willing to sign a team-friendly deal, he should find a home as an understudy. The Penguins, for example, could value his veteran experience behind Joel Blomqvist, while the Calgary Flames could target him for additional depth behind Dustin Wolf.
The Edmonton Oilers could also consider bolstering their goalie depth with Samsonov, though they'll exhaust their trade options first. According to Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli, Edmonton was "in the mix" for Arturs Silovs before the Canucks traded him to Pittsburgh.
The Edmonton Oilers could also consider bolstering their goalie depth with Samsonov, though they'll exhaust their trade options first. According to Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli, Edmonton was "in the mix" for Arturs Silovs before the Canucks traded him to Pittsburgh.
In the span of two seasons, Samsonov has gone from the starting goaltender on a contending team to a potential backup on a rebuilding roster.
As a goaltender, this is a nightmare scenario, but it can happen in the competitive world of the National Hockey League.
Players come and go all the time, and this is especially true when it comes to goalies.
That is not to say that it is all bad for Samsonov. There are teams that could use him, and we're sure he will be signed soon.
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