Ilya Samsonov reveals where his relationship with his new GM stands following arbitration
Ilya Samsonov enters training camp with a hefty pay raise from the $1.8M that he earned last season, thanks to an arbitrator's award in mid-August. Samsonov was awarded a 1-year deal that will see him earn $3.55M for the upcoming season, which is significantly less than his $4.9M ask, but also more than the Leafs' filing of $2.6M.
In some ways, this was the best case scenario for the Leafs as many are still not sold on Samsonov being a number one goalie in the NHL and it saved the Leafs from potentially overpaying him on a long-term deal. For Samsonov, it also allows him an additional year with which to prove that he is a true #1 goaltender and to potentially cash in as a UFA next off-season.
Following the first day of on-ice activities for the Leafs at training camp, Samsonov, who skated with Group 1, was asked about his off-season and his relationship with GM Brad Treliving following the arbitration process. Thankfully, Samsonov said that the situation hasn't impacted his relationship with the team at all.
There appears to be no ill will towards Treliving from Samsonov and Samsonov is ready to prove that he is someone who can help the Leafs win a Stanley Cup. Samsonov enters his first training camp as a true number one goalie following a stellar campaign that saw him play in 42 games, going 27-10-5 with 4 shutouts and posting a 2.33 GAA and .919 save percentage. He will look to replicate his success from last season as he also prepares to take on a much heavier workload.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 21 | 269 ANSWERS Ilya Samsonov reveals where his relationship with his new GM stands following arbitration Do you believe that Ilya Samsonov has what it takes to be a true #1 goalie? | ||
| Yes | 224 | 83.3 % |
| No | 45 | 16.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
