Samsonov was a first-round pick (No.22 overall) in 2015 and is one of hockey’s top goaltending prospects. With Braden Holtby heading into the final year of his contract, the Capitals will want to get a look at exactly what they have in Samsonov. He had a 20-16-1 with a 2.70 GAA and .898 SV% in 37 games with the Hershey Bears (AHL) last year.
Samsonov came up to serve as Pheonix Copley’s backup while Braden Holtby (upper-body) was sidelined. Holtby said he was good-to-go after Sunday’s practice, so Samsonov’s return to the AHL suggests that Holtby is in fact good to at least serve as tonight’s backup, if not start.
With Braden Holtby out with an upper-body injury, 2015 first-round pick Ilya Samsonov has been called-up to backup Pheonix Copley on Friday. The 21-year-old has gone 3-5-0 with a 3.73 gAA and .875 SV% in eight AHL games this season.
