Maple Leafs: Is Ilya Samsonov the best free agent pickup of 2022?
This last offseason was up and down for the Toronto Maple Leafs. First, they lose goaltender Jack Campbell to the Edmonton Oilers via free agency. In a move that had most of the hockey world questioning the move, The Toronto Maple Leafs made a trade with the Ottawa Senators to pick up the services of goaltender and Stanley Cup winner Matt Murray. Just days later, The Maple Leafs signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a one-year, $1.8 million contract that is now looking like the best free agent signing in the league this past offseason.
Toronto Maple Leafs Ilya Samsonov is worth every penny
After Campbell signed with Edmonton, the big question in Toronto was who is going to be the man between the pipes? Murray was acquired to be that guy, with many in disbelief because he had not played well the past few seasons.
The Toronto Maple Leafs faithful questioned management on why they would trade for a goaltender that was middle of the pack at best. Then Samsonov was signed for a backup role and just like that the Maple Leafs have their goaltending duo for the 2022/23 season and Murray was the starter. Or had they?
Samsonov, drafted by the Washington Capitals in the first round (22nd overall) in the 2015 NHL Draft, wore out his welcome in Washington as they were going in a different direction. Samsonov was still a young goaltender still capable of starter status. This move had surprised some because Samsonov had plenty of potential but on to the Toronto Maple Leafs it was. He finished his Washington career with a record of 52-22, a .902 save percentage, and a 2.81 GAA.
Samsonov headed to Toronto to prove to everyone he is still an NHL goaltender and that he still had it. Well, he is doing just that. In fact, Samsonov might be the best free-agent pickup by any NHL team this season.
As pressure-filled as the goaltending position is in a city like Toronto, Samsonov is showing no ill effects by playing his best hockey thus far. In his last five games, he has a 4-1 record, with two shutouts, and has allowed only seven goals. This hot streak has brought his overall numbers to 9-3, with a save percentage of .929 and a 1.98 GAA. His save percentage is second in the league, so is his GAA, and he is fourth in shutouts. The Toronto Maple Leafs are second in the Atlantic Division with a 20-7-6 record.
Samsonov is proving that a good, quality goaltender does not have to costs a team millions of dollars. Like in Washington, Samsonov is playing number one goaltender hockey and playing with determination and motivation.
The motivation that other teams had passed on him, knowing full well he was still at the top of his game. He is now pushing Toronto to the top of the division with his play and he does not look to be slowing down. Toronto may want to re-sign Samsonov to a long-term deal now, as he could cost much more if he hits the open market after this season. He is playing equally as well as Murray, costs much less, and leads Maple Leafs goaltenders in wins.