Keefe reveals what lengthy 1-on-1 chat with Ilya Samsonov at practice on Sunday was about
When GM Kyle Dubas signed Ilya Samsonov to a one year $1.8M dollar deal and traded for Matt Murray from the Ottawa Senators this off-season, fans questioned who would be the clear-cut number one starter this season - though Murray had a distinct edge, having won two Cups. Now, with Murray ending up on the LTIR yesterday for at least a month, Sammy is going to see a ton of playing time and could definitely run away with the starting job if he proves himself.
After practice, head coach Sheldon Keefe had some words with the young netminder about his increased workload, making sure Samsonov was mentally and physically prepared for it. When asked what the 1-on-1 conversation with Samsonov was about, Keefe had this to say:
"Just sort of lay out the plan for him. That he's going to be busy and, because of that, that much more important that he takes care of himself and is ready for the extra workload and wanted to make sure he was still smiling."
- Keefe when asked what he said to Samsonov on Sunday at practice
- Keefe when asked what he said to Samsonov on Sunday at practice
It was wise for the Leafs' bench boss to take the 25-year old aside and show that he cares about his players. The former Washington Capital has looked great so far as a Leaf, sporting a perfect 2-0-0 record with a solid 2.00 GAA and a .926 SV%.
So far, Samsonov looks like he was a good bet by Kyle Dubas.
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