01/01/24: As expected, Samsonov has cleared waivers, according to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston. As a result, he is now eligible for assignment to AHL Toronto.
12/31/23: The Toronto Maple Leafs have placed goaltender Ilya Samsonov on waivers. Samsonov’s last appearance came on December 29nd, when he allowed the Columbus Blue Jackets six goals on only 21 shots.
Samsonov’s placement on waivers was coupled with Toronto’s AHL club recalling ECHL goaltender Luke Cavallin, something that Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman thinks may be a sign that Dennis Hildeby could receive a call-up to the NHL squad should Samsonov clear waivers. Hildeby has been gaining traction in the eyes of Toronto fans, setting a 7-5-3 record and .919 save percentage in the 15 AHL games he’s appeared in this season. The Swedish goaltender is in his first full season of North American hockey, after joining the AHL’s Toronto Marlies following the end of Farjestads’ 2022-23 season in the SHL. The 22-year-old goalie was prolific in Sweden’s top league last season, setting a .918 save percentage in 21 games with the top club. The Leafs drafted Hildeby in the fourth round of the 2022 NHL Draft. Like all players after pick 54 in that draft class, Hildeby has yet to make his NHL debut – something that could change soon with this recent roster moves.
Samsonov is placed on waivers after a series of disappointing games. The 26-year-old netminder currently carries a .862 save percentage through 15 games, second-worst in the league among goalies with 15-or-more games. The only goaltender with a worse save percentage is Antti Raanta, who was similarly waived earlier in the season. Samsonov is in his second season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, going to arbitration to earn a one-year, $3.6MM contract with the team for this season.
Thank goodness…we probably don’t have anybody better but watching this man play goaltender is physically painful right now
How about Jack Campbell
Where is the laugh react?
It’s more sad than funny right now.
Eric Comrie is now available via waivers Toronto ;)
Hard to believe anybody could be “worser” than Sammy so far this year!
The Leafs have around 12 million wrapped up in Murray and Samsonov, When are heads going to roll in management?
Blame Shanahan
could be $25 million. if they are LTIR possible. the leafs don’t care about the actual money.
Their goalies do not combine for a $12m cap hit, not even close. They also do not combine for $12m in actual salary. And the current GM didn’t even acquire either goalie so your post makes no sense. As usual.
You are welcome!
I’m talking about actual salary, I don’t care about the hit, Bad investment’s!! BOTTOM LINE CHICO!!!!!
You think MLSE cares about the money?? lol
And the Sens retained 25% of Murray’s salary so it’s still not $12m.
3.6 million for an .862 save %? Now that’s some bang for your buck huh? Well played.
Worser? Really lol
Samsonov to NJ for Vanecek haha
Samsonov to the KHL for two bags of pucks and some dirt (only after Joseph Woll gets back).
Well, Spartak made their decision – going with a 50-year-old Nikolai Khabibulin as their third-stringer. At this point, the Bulin Wall might have been the better choice.
I note that Sochi’s Maxim Tretyak may wear his grandfather’s No. 20, but he sure as hell doesn’t play like Vladislav. He currently rocks a 4.61 GAA and .883 SV%. I think Sammy could find work in a lovely seaside town.
Worse not worser. How could this get through?
Not all goalies have good seasons all the time. Some will have up & down careers.