Former Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltender Signs in the KHL as NHL Career Hits Brick Wall
Photo credit: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Just a couple of years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs had a solid starting goalie who went on to be a backup with the Las Vegas Golden Knights. Now, he's KHL-bound.
A few seasons ago, Ilya Samsonov was looking like a stud for the Toronto Maple Leafs thanks to a goals-against average of 2.33 and a save percentage of .919.
The following season, his GAA was above 3, and his save percentage was below .900. As a result, the Leafs let him go in the offseason, and the goalie went to the Las Vegas Golden Knights.
Last season, Samsonov had similar statistics as a backup, and just wasn't someone that the Golden Knights wanted to keep around.
Throughout the offseason, Samsonov has been trying to keep his NHL career alive, although it just hasn't worked out for him. Instead, he has been chased out of the league.
Ilya Samsonov is off to the KHL
Today, it was reported that Samsonov signed a deal with HC Sochi of the KHL. Now, he will get to go back to his home country.
At 28 years old, Samsonov still has a lot of hockey left to play in his career, although he will not be spending that time in the NHL, at least not in the immediate future.
Playing goalie at the NHL level can be a cruel mistress. One season you're on top of the world, and the next, you're gone.
Samsonov knows this all too well, and it remains to be seen if he will ever find his way back to the NHL. Goalies are always needed, so you never know.
Having said that, we do wish Samsonov the best of luck with his new opportunity. He remains someone that Leafs fans keep tabs on.
Although, as it stands, the Leafs fanbase is very happy to have Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 1 | 207 ANSWERS Former Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltender Signs in the KHL as NHL Career Hits Brick Wall Will Ilya Samsonov play in the NHL again? | ||
| YES | 58 | 28 % |
| NO | 149 | 72 % |
| List of polls | ||
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