Ilya Samsonov (AFP Photo) The San Jose Sharks have signed veteran netminder Ilya Samsonov to a one-year, two-way deal for the 2026-27 NHL season, returning him to North America after a one-year stint in Russia. The move gives Samsonov another chance to prove he can be a league-level goalie after spending last season out of the NHL.The signing also creates a competition in San Jose. Samsonov will join Yaroslav Askarov, Alex Nedeljkovic and Eric Comrie at training camp, with NHL roster spots to be determined before the regular season.
Could Ilya Samsonov strengthen the San Jose Sharks goaltending group?
The San Jose Sharks have signed Ilya Samsonov to add depth and competition at goaltender. The one-year, two-way contract gives San Jose flexibility and gives Samsonov a chance to return to the NHL. According to PuckPedia, the reported contract has an $850,000 cap hit.During the 2025-26 season, Samsonov played for HK Sochi, appearing in 14 games in the KHL. He finished with a 3-8-0 record, a 3.27 goals-against average, a.903 save percentage and one shutout.Samsonov, 26, has appeared in 200 regular-season NHL games with the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights. He has a .902 save percentage, a 2.77 goals-against average and a 118-48-25 record in those games.His best NHL season came in 2022-23 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Samsonov finished with 27 wins, a 2.33 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage and established himself as an effective NHL starter this season.
How could Samsonov affect San Jose Sharks competition?
The immediate challenge will be to make the NHL roster. Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic are going to be fighting for top jobs, and Eric Comrie brings NHL experience to the group. Samsonov therefore walks into a crowded crease and not a guaranteed starting job.Samsonov’s opportunity remains a big one. A strong training camp could see him factor into the NHL starts, and his experience gives San Jose another option if the current goalie group runs into injury or performance issues.
How could Ilya Samsonov impact the Sharks in 2026-27?
Ilya Samsonov could be another veteran option as the San Jose Sharks evaluate their goaltending depth for the 2026-27 NHL season, and the 29-year-old has already played big-time NHL workloads with the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs, including a solid 2022-23 season in Toronto. That experience could pay dividends should San Jose need more stability behind its younger goaltenders.Samsonov is not likely to join the organization with a guaranteed starting role. The one-year contract instead is a chance to compete for NHL appearances in training camp and during the season. San Jose’s plans still include a key component in Yaroslav Askarov, and Alex Nedeljkovic and Eric Comrie have NHL experience.A productive camp could thus give Samsonov a real shot at playing time. The signing adds depth, competition, and another experienced option in net for San Jose.