It appears the Toronto Maple Leafs have decided on the future of goaltender Ilya Samsonov. After a season of ups and downs, it looks like the 27-year-old Russian's time with the team is coming to an end.
Samsonov signed a one-year, $3.55 million contract following impressive playoff performances against the Tampa Bay Lightning. However, he struggled with consistency and was even sent to the AHL's Marlies at one point. In the playoffs, Samsonov couldn't deliver the crucial saves, leading to Joseph Woll stepping in to get the Leafs back on track.
Although Leafs management hasn't explicitly stated they'll let Samsonov go, their end-of-season press conference hinted at it. According to a report from Daily Faceoff, Samsonov's mental game has been a weak point, and Leafs management didn't endorse him as part of the team's future plans.
Given Samsonov's inconsistency, it's unlikely he'll stay with the Leafs. The team might prefer to keep Martin Jones as Joseph Woll's backup, with Dennis Hildeby ready to step in if needed. They may also explore the free agent and trade markets for a potential replacement.
