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 as his save percentage fell and his goals against average rose the in each of the following two seasons.
He was able to split time with Vitek 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.
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