
Ilya Samsonov looks like the missing piece for the Toronto Maple Leafs in net.
The Leafs are set to sign the former Washington Capitals goalie to a contract, according to multiple reports.
The Athletic’s Arthur Staple broke the news:
Hearing Ilya Samsonov is headed to TOR
— Arthur Staple (@StapeAthletic) July 13, 2022
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman had previously reported that the Leafs were “among teams doing due diligence on Kevin Lankinen and Ilya Samsonov.”
Goalie market: expecting Campbell (EDM) & Kuemper (WASH). Good time to be a backup/1B also. Word is STL in on Thomas Greiss and SEA on Martin Jones. TOR among teams doing due diligence on Kevin Lankinen and Ilya Samsonov — looking at all goalie options.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) July 13, 2022
Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli reported the deal at one-year, $1.8 million, which has yet to be officially announced by the Leafs.
Hearing #Leafs have agreed to terms with G Ilya Samsonov on a 1-year, $1.8 million deal.
Toronto has their guy to play alongside Matt Murray in tandem next season.@DailyFaceoff
— Frank Seravalli (@frank_seravalli) July 13, 2022
The 25-year-old Samsonov has played three seasons for the Capitals, after originally being taken at the 15th overall pick in 2015.
A 6’3″ goaltender out of Russia, he has a record of 52-22-8 with a goals against average of 2.81 and a save percentage of .902 in 89 games.
He was eligible to be a restricted free agent after this season, but the Capitals chose against submitting him for a qualifying offer.
Ilya Samsonov has not been tendered a qualifying offer, and will become an unrestricted free agent on July 13. #AllCaps pic.twitter.com/QySbgTpBhv
— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 11, 2022
The Leafs will have two new goaltenders next season, after having previously traded for Matt Murray earlier in the week from the Ottawa Senators.
Meanwhile, now-former Leafs goalie Jack Campbell is expected to sign a multi-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers, according to multiple reports.