Leafs shock the hockey world, waive Ilya Samsonov
In a shocking turn of events on Sunday, the Toronto Maple Leafs have officially waived struggling goaltender Ilya Samsonov.
Samsonov had allowed 4 or more goals in each of his last 4 games prior to being waived, including allowing 6 goals twice against the Columbus Blue Jackets over that stretch.
The move was a surprising one, but one that many also deemed as necessary, as Samosnov has become unplayable at the NHL level. The question now is whether he'll be claimed by a team who believes that he's talented enough to regain his form or whether he'll claim and report to the AHL's Toronto Marlies.
If the 26-year-old clears waivers, the Leafs will free up an additional $1.15M in salary, which is the maximum amount of a player's contract that can be buried in the American Hockey League. They'll still be on the hook for $2.4M. However, if Samsonov is claimed, his entire $3.55M would be taken on by whoever claims him.
The primary goal for the Leafs here, according to reporter John Shannon, is to have Samsonov clear and to help him reset. However, as a former 1st round pick who, just one season ago, had a .919 SV% and won a playoff round against the Tampa Bay Lightning, I wouldn't be shocked to see him claimed.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 31 | 1359 ANSWERS Leafs shock the hockey world, waive Ilya Samsonov Will Leafs G Ilya Samsonov clear waivers? | ||
| No, he'll be claimed | 327 | 24.1 % |
| Yes, he'll clear | 1032 | 75.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
