Ilya Samsonov was put on waivers by the San Jose Sharks earlier today, and his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, has a unique opportunity.
During his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ilya Samsonov had his ups and downs. Throughout the 2022-23 season, he was a stud with a 2.33 goals-against average. However, the following season, he had a sub .900 save percentage and a 3.13 GAA.
These numbers landed him in Las Vegas, where he continued to struggle. Last season, he retreated to the KHL, and just a few weeks ago, he found himself back in the NHL thanks to a contract with the San Jose Sharks.
Earlier today, Samsonov found himself on waivers, as the Sharks realized that Samsonov was not who they needed to start the season.
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It is an unfortunate moment for a goaltender who, just a few years ago, was a solid NHL starter who could get you wins and some shutouts when needed.
During his career year with the Leafs, it was as if the franchise had finally found its goaltending solution. That was until he folded under the pressures of the NHL, leading to his current predicament.
Now, the goaltender's future is uncertain, and there are plenty of teams that could think of using him as depth. The Leafs just so happen to be one of those teams.
Ilya Samsonov could occupy a new role for the Leafs
With Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz, there is simply no way that Samsonov could be on the Maple Leafs roster to start the season.
However, he could be the depth the Leafs need in case their injury-prone goaltenders find themselves out of the lineup. Right now, the Leafs' only viable NHL replacement is Artur Akhtyamov. While he has shown promise, the Leafs need more than just a few games of experience.
Samsonov has 200 NHL starts, and he has proven that he can tend the goal at a high level when the conditions are right. This is something the Leafs should be thinking about.
Of course, you can't just claim a player and send them to the AHL. The Leafs would need him on the 23-man roster to start the year, and that seems doubtful.
That said, if the Leafs really wanted to send a message to their goaltending tandem, then perhaps a Samsonov waiver claim could be an opportunity to do just that.
Should the Toronto Maple Leafs contemplate Ilya Samsonov?
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