Maple Leafs GM Treliving: Decision on G Samsonov imminent
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving said the team’s front office will gather Monday to determine what's next for goaltender Ilya Samsonov.
"So far, so good," the first-year Leafs general manager said on the solo workouts Samsonov has had with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.
Samsonov was placed on waivers on Jan. 1 after he allowed six goals on 21 shots in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 29.
The 26-year-old had allowed four or more goals in four consecutive starts – all losses – before being placed on waivers.
TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reported following the move that the Russian-born goaltender is not expected to dress while with the Marlies and that his focus will be with the team's goaltending coaches and support staff.
A year removed from his best season as a pro, winning 27 games and posting a career-best .919 save percentage, Samsonov has struggled. He owns a 5-2-6 record with a 3.94 GAA and an .862 save percentage.
In 146 career games played, the former first-round pick of the Washington Capitals has a record of 84-34-19 with a GAA of 2.77 and a save percentage of .903.
In Samsonov's absence, the Leafs have turned to a tandem of veteran Martin Jones and rookie Dennis Hildeby, with Jones earning three straight wins as the team's starter during a California road trip.
The team also remains without rookie Joseph Woll, who is rehabbing a high-ankle sprain suffered on Dec. 7 against the Ottawa Senators