Leafs Captain Reveals True Thoughts On Goalie Following Being Waived

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Austin Sabourin
January 1, 2024 (9:03 PM)

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After a string of subpar performances culminating in a challenging loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Toronto Maple Leafs decided it was time to address goaltender Ilya Samsonov's struggles.

Placing him on waivers, the move reflects the team's urgency to find a solution. Unclaimed, Samsonov is now heading to the AHL affiliate Toronto Marlies.

In the 2023-24 season, Samsonov's performance significantly deviated from his previous success, marked by a 5-2-6 record, a 3.94 goals against average, and a .862 save percentage. The dip in form prompted the team's decision.

Captain John Tavares offered insight, attributing Samsonov's challenges to a collective lapse in team performance. Tavares expressed empathy for his teammate, acknowledging the disappointment in not providing better support for the Russian goaltender.

Tavares: "We feel for Sammy in the way that it has gone. As a team and individually, you're disappointed that in a lot of those games, we just didn't play better ... We love him as a teammate. So definitely feel for him." #Leafs

The question arises: Can Samsonov rediscover his form in the AHL and potentially make a comeback with the Leafs later in the season? The answer remains uncertain, leaving the team to rely on the goaltending tandem of Martin Jones and Dennis Hildeby, with Joseph Woll sidelined due to injury. The Leafs will navigate the goaltending situation cautiously as they await developments in Samsonov's AHL stint.