Samsonov Opens Up About Being a New Dad

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M. Robitaille
March 29, 2023 (4:03 PM)

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After the Toronto Maple Leafs' practice session at UBS Arena on Wednesday, Ilya Samsonov flew back to Toronto to join his wife, Maria, who had just given birth to their baby boy.

Samsonov Opens Up About Being a New Dad

While Maria and their newborn son, Miroslav, rested at home, Ilya Samsonov has been doing his best to balance rest with staying sharp in the net. "Probably the best week in my life," Samsonov explained.

"A lot of emotion, last four days we stay all together and at home is unbelievable. I feel perfect. When he comes on my skin, you feel so warmy. He's so cute."

To ensure his recovery, Samsonov has been sleeping in a separate room with his mastiff, and has also taken the opportunity to have the Maple Leafs' medical staff address a minor injury he sustained on February 26th during the team's win over the Seattle Kraken.

"We figured out my injury because we had time," Samsonov shared, adding, "I feel perfect, it doesn't hurt anymore. I think I'm 100 percent."

Although Samsonov did not reveal the nature of the injury, he is expected to return to the Maple Leafs' lineup on Wednesday when they face the Florida Panthers. Samsonov's absence from the team's optional skate may have been a sign that he feels prepared to play, according to Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe.

Samsonov's performance on Wednesday could also impact the Maple Leafs' decision on who to choose as their starting goaltender for the playoffs. This season, Samsonov has statistically outperformed Matt Murray, with a 24-9-3 record and a .914 save percentage. However, he is coming off his worst loss of the season, having given up six goals in the Maple Leafs' 7-2 defeat to the New York Islanders.

As seen on - How Ilya Samsonov Stayed Sharp While Being Away From the Maple Leafs to be a First-Time Dad