Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov will forever be known as the first goaltender since Ed Belfour in 2004 to help the franchise advance past the 1st round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. However, that likely won't be enough to entice management to offer him a 3rd year wearing the Leafs crest.
Joseph Woll's emergence rendered Samsonov expendable, particularly following Woll's performance in Round 1 of the postseason against the Boston Bruins. Woll replaced Samsonov starting in the third period of Game 4, leading the Leafs to two consecutive victories and forcing a decisive Game 7. However, Woll sustained an untimely injury at the end of Game 6, bringing Samsonov back into action.
Despite his best efforts, Samsonov faced significant criticism for allowing David Pastrnak's backhand shot early in overtime, which secured Boston's victory and sent the Leafs home early from the postseason yet again.
Ilya Samsonov knows his performance must improve
During his end-of-season media availability session, Samsonov admitted to knowing his performance wasn't up to standard and that he must step up his game, via Sportskeeda.
“I need to play better than what we see in the series about me,” he said. “I need extra saves, extra good pass, or whatever. I'm a guy who understands. First of all, I'm professional. I need to understand, too, for myself. I need to play better, and this is true. It's not about how we defend or power play, it's whatever is going on. But I need to be better for this team and in this series.”
Samsonov's final stat line for the 2023-24 season was a respectable 23-7-8. However, his goals against average of 3.13 and his .890 save percentage weren't exactly impressive. His numbers for the 2024 postseason were nearly identical with a 3.01 goals against average and .896 save percentage, neither of which will be good enough to lead a team to ultimate glory.
He's set to become a free agent when the calendar turns to July, and it doesn't appear likely that he'll be back. But that doesn't mean he won't have his share of suitors who would be interested in bringing him aboard for valuable depth between the pipes.
New Jersey Devils
One of the more likely destinations for Samsonov would be to follow Sheldon Keefe to the New Jersey Devils. They've overhauled their goaltending in the calendar year, ditching Mackenzie Blackwood and Vitek Vanacek while acquiring Jake Allen and Kaapo Kahkonen. Allen has one more season remaining on his current deal, while Kahkonen is set to become a free agent.
The most obvious reason why Samsonov could be a fit in New Jersey is his familiarity with Keefe, who was terminated by the Leafs and immediately hired by the Devils. He can provide steady depth behind Allen, who has demonstrated that he's still capable of handling the starter's workload on a poor Montreal Canadiens team before being dealt to the Devils at this season's NHL Trade Deadline.
Another positive for joining a team like the Devils for Samsonov would be less media scrutiny than what players in Toronto experience.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Speaking of familiarity, you're certainly aware by now that former Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas was terminated last offseason, subsequently joining the Pittsburgh Penguins as president of hockey operations, and later declaring himself acting GM.
The Penguins are coming off their second straight season in which they failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, something that team icon Sidney Crosby has never experienced during his NHL career. The tandem of Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic proved shaky at times, though Nedeljkovic emerged to take the starting reigns through most of Pittsburgh's late-season surge. He's set to become a free agent in July, while Jarry's contract has several seasons remaining.
Should Nedeljkovic depart, Samsonov would represent a low-risk, high-reward situation for Dubas and the Penguins. And just like a potential reunion with Keefe in New Jersey, joining Dubas and the Penguins would offer Samsonov far less media scrutiny.
Los Angeles Kings
Kings general manager Rob Blake faced criticism for his goaltending situation this season which consisted of an aging Cam Talbot, Pheonix Copley, and David Rittich, a trio that certainly doesn't strike fear into the hearts of opponents.
And while Samsonov isn't a Vezina Trophy-caliber goaltender in his own right, he would offer better stability between the pipes. Additionally, Samsonov boasts far more postseason experience than Copley and Rittich combined. Only Rittich is under contract for next season, and the potential to thrive in a lower-pressure situation could prove intriguing for Samsonov.
Follow Us
Subscribe