What’s next for Ilya Samsonov with the Toronto Maple Leafs?
When Ilya Samsonov came to the Toronto Maple Leafs, he started as a backup. Then he split the crease. Then he was the starter, carrying the team to their first playoff series win in nearly 20 years.
And now, nearing the halfway mark of the 2023-24 campaign, Samsonov finds himself struggling to look anything like a capable NHL goaltender. Giving up 15 goals on 83 shots in his last three games, many who either cover the Maple Leafs or root for them are wondering if the 26-year-old is good enough of staying with the big club.
On Friday’s episode Daily Faceoff LIVE, Frank Seravalli and Tyler Yaremchuk discuss the Maple Leafs’ 9-3 loss to the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night, and what the future holds for Samsonov.
Frank Seravalli: I think we have a lot more questions about the Maple Leafs and their goaltending. Does Ilya Samsonov have to go the Jack Campbell route and go to the AHL?
Tyler Yaremchuk: The interesting thing about him is that he’s only got one more year at $3.8 million, so if the Leafs want to upgrade their goaltending, is it that insane to think that they could find a taker for the final few months of his season?
He’s been bad: four-plus goals given up in seven of his 14 starts. That’s flat-out terrible. But don’t you think they could unload him in a trade?
Frank Seravalli: They absolutely could. The only reason this hasn’t already been a big deal is, well, look at his record: 5-2-5. He’s still piling up points for the Maple Leafs, despite his poor play. That’s a wild number.
They’ve been able to mask it for a bit, but I don’t think they can any longer, and from a pure trade perspective, there has to be someone out there that’s willing to take him.
You can watch the rest of the segment and the full episode here…
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