This move follows a string of challenging performances by Samsonov, reaching a climax in a particularly disheartening loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets last week. During that game, the goaltender allowed six goals on just 21 shots, resulting in a .714 save percentage and a substantial setback for the Maple Leafs.
While the possibility exists for a rival NHL team to claim Samsonov off waivers, his performance this season makes it highly unlikely. Additionally, Samsonov comes with a notable cap hit of $3.55 million on the one-year deal he signed earlier this summer.
Coupled with his less-than-stellar raw stats—a 3.94 goals against average and a .862 save percentage—Samsonov might not be an appealing prospect for teams considering the waiver wire. The intrigue surrounding his future adds a layer of uncertainty to the Maple Leafs' goaltending situation and sparks discussions about the team's strategic moves leading up to the waiver decision.