Ilya Samsonov, is coming off of a disappointing season with the Leafs, where he put up a sub-par performance, owning a 3.13 GAA and a .890 SV% in 40 games with the Leafs last year. However, like coach Sheldon Keefe, Samsonov could benefit from a change of scenery, and where better than to be reunited with his former coach in New Jersey?
The Devils currently only have one goalie signed next year in Jake Allen, who is on the back 9 of his career, and has generally been a tandem goalie during his time in the NHL. Ilya Samsonov would be a great free agent signing, that would help provide a solid tandem goaltending duo for a Devils team, who is eager to return to the post-season.
Keefe is familiar with Samsonov, so he has a good understanding on what he needs to succeed. If the former Leafs coach can help Samsonov return to his form from the 2022-23 season behind a Devils team that has a way better D corps than he had to work with in Toronto, Samsonov may be the perfect low-cost option in net for the Devils.
