Getty
The Toronto Maple Leafs should look into reuniting with this former goalie to boost the club’s depth in the crease.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are in need of goaltending depth this upcoming season. Beyond the team’s solid tandem of Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz, the Leafs lack a decent third-string option.
Moreover, the Maple Leafs lack a true goalie prospect who could come up through the ranks to support the club. So, it makes sense for the Leafs to reunite with former netminder Ilya Samsonov.
Samonov spent last season with the Vegas Golden Knights. He was predominantly the backup to start Adin Hill. In 29 games, Samsonov posted a 2.82 GAA and an .891 SV%. He was a decent backup, giving the Golden Knights a reasonable option in goal.
This upcoming season, however, the Golden Knights have Akira Schmid to back up Hill. As such, Samsonov has become expendable and was not offered another contract. That left the Russian netminder in UFA limbo.
That’s why the Toronto Maple Leafs should step in and bring back Samsonov. He signed a one-year, $1.8 million contract last season with Vegas. A similar deal could bring the 28-year-old Samsonov back into the fold.
Perhaps a contract in the vicinity of $1.5 million could get the job done. Now, some fans might be wondering why pay so much for a third-string goalie? The reality is that injuries take their toll throughout an NHL season. Both Woll and Stolarz missed time last season. Thus, it makes sense to have a sensible third-string option to fall back on depending on what plays out.
Maple Leafs Can’t Carry Three Goalies All Season
The biggest drawback to signing Samsonov lies in the club’s inability to carry three goalies. While the Maple Leafs technically could carry three goalies, cap-wise, it wouldn’t make any sense.
That situation means that signing Samsonov to an NHL contract and then sending him down to the AHL would force him to hit waivers. It’s somewhat unlikely that some other team could claim him. But then again, a team in need of a goalie could take a shot on Samsonov.
Perhaps a solution could be to sign Samsonov to an AHL contract and then convert it to an NHL contract when he’s needed.
There’s no telling if that’s something Samsonov would go for. But then again, his phone hasn’t appeared to ring off the hook this summer. As a result, Samsonov may be willing to accept such a deal just for the opportunity to get one more kick at the can.
Familiarity Between Samsonov and Leafs Makes Reunion Worthwhile
The familiarity between Samsonov and the Maple Leafs makes the reunion worthwhile. Both sides could end up in a win-win situation.
If the Maple Leafs need a reliable third-string goalie to back up Woll or Stolarz, Samsonov’s their guy. Meanwhile, Samsonov is familiar with the pressures of playing in Toronto.
It’s worth pointing out that Samsonov last played in Toronto when Sheldon Keefe was the head coach. Now, Craig Berube’s administration could provide Samsonov with a better overall situation.
Ultimately, a reunion between Samsonov and the Maple Leafs could be a win-win situation for both sides. The situation could become increasingly plausible the longer Samsonov remains unsigned.
Nestor Quixtan Seasoned NHL analyst focused on covering all 32 teams with news, analysis, and insights. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Nestor’s singular experiences and background have enabled him to bring a different take on the sports world as a whole. More about Nestor Quixtan
More Heavy on Maple Leafs
Loading more stories