One specific detail may hamper Ilya Samsonov negotiations for the Leafs
Easily Kyle Dubas' best signing during the summer of 2022 was goaltender Ilya Samsonov. When the Washington Capitals inexplicably refused to tender him a qualifying offer, the former 22nd overall pick, Samsonov, became an unrestricted free agent. He signed a 1 year, 1.8 million dollar contract with the Leafs shortly afterwards. A "prove it" deal, if you will.
Well, Sammy definitely proved it. He posted a 27-10-5 record and a .919sv% in the regular season and backstopped the Leafs to their first series win since the days of Ed Belfour. Things came crashing down in round two as, clearly playing injured, Samsonov couldn't lead the Leafs past the Stanley Cup Final bound Florida Panthers. Still, at the very least, he earned himself another contract with the Leafs. Both sides are reportedly interested in continuing the relationship. The issue, as always, will be the money.
If Treliving can't convince Samsonov to sign the deal he offers, things could get messy. Samsonov has leverage here. Matt Murray is likely on the outs, and if he's not, he's become a liability with his inability to stay healthy. Joseph Woll shows promise, but he's too green to be "the guy." Samsonov, now 26 years old, is eligible for arbitration as well, so there's a potential wrinkle here for the Leafs. If he doesn't see a way to get the number he wants, a third party may be brought in. It's unlikely the arbitrator will award Samsonov an AAV over $4,538,958, the AAV teams can elect to walk away from, so whatever number they do land on, the Leafs would be forced to pay it.
Of course, the hope is that the two sides settle on a number quickly and that Samsonov and Woll become an elite tandem with a combined salary less than that of Matt Murray. If the Leafs can move Murray's contract while improving in goal and saving cap dollars, it would be a huge success to begin Brad Treliving's tenure as Leafs' GM.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 21 | 838 ANSWERS One specific detail may hamper Ilya Samsonov negotiations for the Leafs What should Ilya Samsonov make next season? | ||
| Let him walk | 82 | 9.8 % |
| 2.5-3 Million | 279 | 33.3 % |
| 3-3.5 Million | 340 | 40.6 % |
| 3.5-4 Million or more | 137 | 16.3 % |
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