Former Washington Capitals goaltender Ilya Samsonov has found a new NHL home. Samsonov has signed a one-year deal worth $1.8 million with the Toronto Maples Leafs. The club announced the deal shortly after free agency started Wednesday.
Samsonov was a 2015 first-round draft pick of the Capitals. He emerged as a rookie in 2019-20, compiling a 16-6-2 record in 26 starts with a 2.55 goals against average and .913 save percentage.
But Samsonov never rekindled his rookie magic. Maturity issues put him on the wrong side of the Capitals. Then, COVID-19 protocols and injuries led to him missing his opportunity to be the primary starter in net during the 2020-21 season, as he backed up Vitek Vanecek.
He was able to split time with Vanecek last season. Samsonov appeared in 44 games. He compiled a 23-12-5 record in 39 starts. His save percentage dropped to .896 and his goals against average ballooned to 3.02.
The Capitals did not extend a qualifying offer to Samsonov before the July 11 deadline, making him an unrestricted free agent. Samsonov was eligible for arbitration and projected to receive upwards of $3.5 million with a qualifying offer. The Capitals were unable to justify that price for a backup goaltender.
Instead Samsonov goes up north for half the price. The Maple Leafs are in need of a starting goaltender, as last season’s starter Jack Campbell signed a five-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers.
