Leafs GM discusses the arbitration process with Ilya Samsonov and reveals how both sides are feeling about the deal
For the Maple Leafs, the summer wasn't ideal in many aspects, but now, as we approach September and everything is in the rearview mirror, it's tough to look back on the summer and think that it wasn't a successful first summer for new Leafs GM Brad Treliving.
One of the more interesting occurrences this summer was the handling of the Ilya Samsonov negotiations and subsequent arbitration process. The Leafs and Samsonov tried in earnest, according to Treliving, to get a deal done that worked for both sides to avoid arbitration. In the end, a deal could not be reached and so the arbitration hearing went on as planned, with the result being a 1-year, $3.55M deal for the young star goaltender.
This week, Treliving met with the media to discuss his summer. He touched on the Matthews signing, he touched on where things are currently at with William Nylander and he also discussed the goaltending situation - which included Samsonov's arbitration hearing. Treliving had plenty to say about the process, ultimately concluding that he's happy with how everything went throughout the process.
Treliving also stated that he and Samsonov attempted to keep everything as light-hearted as they could during arbitration and have maintained solid lines of communication before, during and after the hearing. He doesn't believe there is any ill will on the Samsonov side of things and he also communicated that the Leafs don't harbour any ill will toward the Samsonov camp.
Now, with the full focus being on training camp and the season ahead, both Samsonov and the Leafs will look to build on a successful 2022-23 season and, hopefully, carry over some of that success into 2023-24.
| POLL | ||
AOUT 26 | 445 ANSWERS Leafs GM discusses the arbitration process with Ilya Samsonov and reveals how both sides are feeling about the deal Will Ilya Samsonov stay with the Leafs beyond this season or do you think he's going to go to free agency next summer? | ||
| Sammy will stay with the Leafs | 155 | 34.8 % |
| He'll test free agency | 191 | 42.9 % |
| Too early to say | 99 | 22.2 % |
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