The struggle was just too much for the young Russian goalie. After an emotional up-and-down season, Ilya Samsonov showed his all too human side. He failed, and it wore on him. As a result of the combination of both some down games and his loss of confidence, the Toronto Maple Leafs seemed forced to make a radical move. That move happened today when they placed the young Russian goalie on waivers following a series of subpar performances.
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Samsonov Was a Key Contributor to Last Season’s Maple Leafs Success
For Samsonov, it starkly contrasted with his standout season in 2022-23. Last season he was a key contributor to the Maple Leafs’ playoff success. However, his struggles were just too overwhelming this season. In the end (or, let’s hope it’s the middle), his 3.94 GAA and .862 save percentage just didn’t cut it.
Despite his 5-2-6 record, the Russian netminder’s decline prompted the Maple Leafs to try to move him to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. It would be a huge surprise if another team picked him up given his season and his salary.
In his place, a raw young goalie with plenty of talent but nothing to show for experience, Dennis Hildeby, will take Samsonov’s place. Whether it will be for just now or lots longer is another question.
In the meantime, veteran Martin Jones will be the guy – at least until Joseph Woll comes back. Jones has at least played well enough. And that’s been a stabilizing force for the team. His game last night against the Carolina Hurricanes was just fine. However, the Maple Leafs’ offence took a nap and the game was lost by a score of 3-2.
On the season, Jones has put up a 4-3-0 record with a .915 SV% and a 2.73 GAA in Woll’s absence. The Maple Leafs, currently third in the Atlantic Division, face a challenging stretch. They’ve also had five losses in their last six games.
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Samsonov’s Fall Was as Radical as the Maple Leafs’ Move
Samsonov’s current struggles mark a significant downturn for the goalie who played some much a key role in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ success in the previous season. Despite finishing among the top ten in both save percentage and goals-against average in 2022-23, Samsonov’s play has sharply declined in the current season.
Last year, he had a record of 27-10-5, a 2.27 GAA, and a .919 SV%. As a result, he was awarded a one-year, $3.5 million deal after arbitration. That fall, in itself, makes the former first-round pick’s 2023-24 season such a huge disappointment.
What happens to Samsonov next is a question that only time will tell. In the meantime, Maple Leafs fans have to hope that the young Hildeby comes up and plays outstanding in the crease. This could be the start of something big. On the other hand, who knows?
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