Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe provides update on the status of injured goaltender Ilya Samsonov
It's been nearly two weeks since Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov suffered a knee injury against the Boston Bruins, thanks to an awkward backward stumble on a penalty shot from Brad Marchand that resulted in the Bruins' only goal of the evening in a 2-1 Leafs win.
Samsonov didn't miss any real time away from the ice, as he had resumed skating the same week that he had suffered his injury and has been on the ice with the Leafs for several practices this week. Still, Sheldon Keefe confirms that the 25-year-old is not quite 100% and that the Leafs will be patient and wait for him to be 100% before they bring him back.
Per Keefe, Samsonov will not dress tonight against the Devils, meaning that Erik Kallgren will back up Matt Murray, who is scheduled to start in his Leafs home debut. Keefe also confirmed that he does not expect Samsonov to be available this weekend.
Samsonov has been a bright spot for the Leafs this season and has far exceeded expectations, having posted a 6-2-0 record in 8 appearances, with a 2.23 GAA and a .921 SV%. Both are well above his career averages in each category.
