Report Card: Assessing Ilya Samsonov to the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed unrestricted free-agent goalie Ilya Samsonov to a $1.8 million, one-year contract Wednesday.
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Ilya Samsonov to the Toronto Maple Leafs
After acquiring netminder Matt Murray from the Ottawa Senators on Monday, the Maple Leafs complemented the two-time Stanley Cup winner with the 25-year-old Samsonov.
Unfortunately for the Leafs, Samsonov has a lot to prove after statistically declining in consecutive seasons following a respectable NHL debut during the 2019-20 campaign.
As a rookie, Samsonov posted a 16-6-2 record with a .913 save percentage, 2.55 GAA, -2.23 goals saved above average, and a .779 high-danger save percentage at five-on-five per Natural Stat Trick.
For comparison, he posted .896, 3.02, -12.53, and .779 marks across 39 starts and 44 appearances last season.
It’s not all doom and gloom, though.
While a goalie’s record doesn’t carry as much weight in a lot of communities, Samsonov does boast a rock-solid 53-23-10 career line. Additionally, the 22nd overall selection from the 2015 NHL Entry Draft still offers considerable upside, and it’s not far-fetched to suggest his best years are still ahead.
Finally, just consider how netminder Jack Campbell turned his career around during his three-year stint in Toronto, and perhaps the change of scenery will be exactly what Samsonov needs to follow suit.
This is a team-friendly term and salary in the prove-it mold, which means it’s also a low-risk signing for the Maple Leafs.
Samsonov obviously might not rebound statistically and take a step forward in his fourth season in the league, but theoretically, this checks out as an upside signing for Toronto considering the highlighted short length and limited financial investment.
Bookmakers didn’t make an adjustment to futures markets, as Toronto remains listed with the second shortest odds to win the Stanley Cup next year at Caesars Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, and FanDuel Sportsbook.
Signing Grade: B+
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