Maple Leafs next priority has been revealed
"The Leafs seem to have limited options for a crucial aspect of their team, and the most viable solution appears to be reinstating their original choice.
Leafs Consider Reinstating Samsonov as Goaltender for the Next Season
The Leafs are planning to re-sign Ilya Samsonov, who is up for arbitration, as other potential alternatives do not match Samsonov's potential as a starting goaltender.
Samsonov, 26, participated in 42 games for Toronto this season, sharing the goal with Matt Murray, who might not return to the Leafs next season. The expectation is that Joseph Woll will assume the backup role.
Samsonov presents a cost-effective goalie option for a Leafs team already in need of financial restructuring, especially considering the impending contract negotiations with their "core-four" forward group - Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and William Nylander over the next two years.
Ilya Samsonov stats are impressive
The only other UFA goalie who played more than 40 games last season is Martin Jones. However, Samsonov outperformed Jones with a 2.33 GAA and a .919 SV% compared to Jones' 2.99 GAA and .886 SV% with the Seattle Kraken.
At this stage, the Leafs' best bet is to rely on Samsonov to continue as the starting goaltender, providing a cost-effective solution for the team in need of an affordable option between the pipes.
Read More At Maple Leafs Insider - Renewing Ilya Samsonov Has to Be the Next Priority
| POLL | ||
Should Samsonov be the Leafs starter next season? | ||
| Yes | 1663 | 77.6 % |
| No | 480 | 22.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
