If you escaped Scotiabank Arena with a point against Ilya Samsonov and the Leafs last season, you considered yourself lucky. Samsonov, who went unqualified by the Washington Capitals last off season, had a sparkling 19-3-3 record at home in his first season as a Leaf and lead the team to their first playoff round win in nearly 20 years. The Leafs have tendered a qualifying offer to Samsonov, but Brad Treliving's aggressive free agency moves have left the Leafs with little space to sign their starting goalie.
The way I see it, there are two options. One, Samsonov could sign another one year deal for very low cap hit and take his raise next season. The other, and possibly more likely option, is the one suggested by Frank Seravalli. Samsonov elects to file for player elected salary arbitration. This not only ensures that there's a fair deal for both sides, it also opens a second buyout window for the Leafs - one they can use to get out of Matt Murray's contract if they can't trade him. The only issue is term. Arbitration awards can only carry a one or two year term. Samsonov reportedly wants a longer-term deal, while the Leafs prefer a shorter pact.
The solution would be to take the arbitration award, buy out Murray, and then sign a long term deal for 2024-25 when the salary cap finally goes up. Samsonov has expressed his desire to be a long-term Leaf multiple times. With him and Joseph Woll as our tandem for the foreseeable future. The Leafs look to be in good shape between the pipes.
