Samsonov's salary ask from Leafs in arbitration revealed

The now 26-year-old was given a qualifying offer by the Leafs this summer and has expressed an interest in signing a new deal in Toronto. Samsonov feels like he's finally found a good fit and enjoys life in Toronto and doesn't appear to be phased by the sometimes volatile market.

Samsonov elected to file for salary arbitration this week, which was (presumably) to help the Leafs open up a 2nd buyout window. As it turns out, the arbitration filing may actually be a legitimate one, with the team and player perhaps further apart than any of us would have hoped.

Today on Sportsnet 590's The FAN's The Morning Show, hosts Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert revealed what Samsonov's ask in his arbitration case was. Samsonov is reportedly seeking an AAV between $4M and $5M. His qualifying offer comes in at a little over $2M. No word yet on what the Leafs might be offering in the arb case.

It has become abundantly clear in recent weeks that the Leafs would like to head into the season with Samsonov and Joseph Woll as their tandem next season and a buyout of Matt Murray would only cost the Leafs $687K against the cap this season and $2M next season when the cap is supposed to rise significantly. Following the conclusion of Samsonov's arbitration case, by either going through the process or settling ahead of time, the Buds will have their opportunity to rid themselves of some of most of the burden of Murray's contract. We'll see if they take it.