Leafs GM Brad Treliving has been very quiet throughout the Ilya Samsonov debacle, but on Tuesday in Los Angeles, he has finally addressed the Samsonov situation publicly and let the media in on why the struggling goaltender won't practice or play in any Marlies games this week.
The goal, according to Treliving, is to allow the Russian netminder to get a break both mentally and physically from playing. To have a mental reset from the vigorous preparation it takes on the mind. Allow his body to continue recuperating from any underlying ailments.
This break will [hopefully] take the pressure off from Samsonov, who likely feels the weight of the world on his back with his performance to start the season. With a New Year upon us, there is hope that all of this work away from the game will allow Samsonov to feel like he's being given a fresh start and a proper reset without feeling like the club wants him gone. They're investing a lot of time and energy into helping him to get back to where he needs to be, which should send him the message that they've not given up on him.
This week will provide Samsonov the opportunity to work with Marlies goalie coach Hannu Toivonen, one-on-one, to help Ilya gain his confidence back on the ice and work on the underlying issues that he has faced all season long.
