The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed goaltender Ilya Samsonov on waivers, according to confirmed reports from Leafs sources. The team clarified that this decision is part of a strategy to provide Samsonov with a “reset” and outlined a plan to assist him in overcoming his struggles on the ice. Despite re-signing Samsonov for just one year in the last off-season through arbitration, his performance this season has been lackluster, earning him the dubious distinction of being one of the worst goalies in the NHL.
His current .862 save percentage is being kind when you factor in his most recent games where he was .714 against the Columbus Blue Jackets and .737 against the Buffalo Sabres.
Samsonov’s difficulties intensified when Joseph Woll, the team’s presumptive No. 1 goaltender, suffered a high-ankle injury on December 7. Woll’s absence created an opportunity for Martin Jones, initially the third goaltender, to step up. Jones, signed to a one-year, $875,000 contract in August, has performed admirably with a 4-3-0 record and a .915 save percentage.
However, the Maple Leafs’ preference for splitting goaltending duties in back-to-back games has exposed Samsonov’s struggles. In the most recent game against the Blue Jackets on December 29, Samsonov allowed six goals on 21 shots in a 6-5 overtime loss.
Maple Leafs To Take a Closer Look at Dennis Hildeby
In response to the goaltending challenges, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported on ‘Saturday Headlines’ that the Leafs are contemplating calling up 22-year-old Dennis Hildeby for a game during their upcoming three-game road trip to California. The decision to place Samsonov on waivers suggests that Hildeby might join the Leafs on this crucial journey.
The Leafs appear to be banking on Hildeby’s readiness and Jones’ ability to stay competitive despite his age. From there, the hope is that Joseph Woll’s eventual return to full health will bolster their goaltending.
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