Toronto Maple Leafs’ veteran goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov will continue his 2023-24 season in the AHL. After clearing the waivers earlier this week, Samsonov is being sent to the Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate, Toronto Marlins.
Samsonov struggled mightily so far in the season, having a 3.94 goals-against average and .862 save percentage in 15 games. These are his worst stats since entering the NHL and second-worst in the league in 2023-24 among goalies with at least 10 appearances.
As a result, the Maple Leafs placed Samsonov on waivers on Sunday, but the 26-year-old player ended up being unclaimed. The team now hopes that some time out of the spotlight might help him get his form back on track.
“I need to figure out everything in my head,” Samsonov said of his struggles. “That’s the first [thing]. It’s not about technique. It’s not about, you know, it’s not about nothing. Just in the head.”
In the meantime, the Maple Leafs will likely lean heavily on veteran Martin Jones while hoping that Joseph Woll can return from his high ankle sprain sooner rather than later.
Ilya Samsonov signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a one-year, $1.8 million contract in 2022. After a career-best campaign, which saw him post a .919 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average, Samsonov received a one-year, $3.55 million deal through arbitration.
