Ilya Samsonov's Future in Toronto Has Been Decided
Ilya Samsonov has now emerged as the Maple Leafs' bona-fide starter. With his contract being decided this week, it appears we now know what to expect.
Short-Term Deal for Samsonov
Ilya Samsonov opted to elect for arbitration this season, as he expired as an RFA. Coming off the $1.8-million deal he signed with Toronto in the summer of 2022, Samsonov is due for a raise.
With Matt Murray's injuries and inconsistency, Samsonov became the teams' go-to, and backstopped the team into the second round of the playoffs.
We now have significant information on what Samsonov's next deal will look like.
Three-Year Contract in the Works?
Samsonov's arbitration hearing will come tomorrow, barring a deal being reached before then. Per Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs are eying a short-term deal, between one and three years.
Knowing how well he performed, a deal could likely approach the $4-million mark, but reports indicate Matt Murray's status may change, and that he could either be placed on off-season LTIR, or traded.
Nothing is truly certain when it comes to Leafs goaltending, but it definitely appears that Samsonov will be in the starter's net opening night.
| POLL | ||
Do you think Samsonov should sign long-term? | ||
| Yes | 704 | 41.8 % |
| No | 982 | 58.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
