Bruins Biggest Rival Set To Make A Massive Blockbuster Trade
Heading into the holiday break, the Toronto Maple Leafs find themselves in a precarious situation due to the less-than-stellar performance of goaltender Ilya Samsonov.
Despite Samsonov not meeting the expectations of an NHL goaltender this season, the Leafs have been compelled to rely on him, given Joseph Woll's absence due to injury. The consequences have been dire for the Leafs, reaching a tipping point in a recent game against the Buffalo Sabres. During this match, Samsonov allowed five goals on 24 shots, resulting in a .737 and prompting coach Sheldon Keefe to pull him from the net.
The Leafs now face a dilemma with limited ideal options at hand.
One potential avenue is placing Samsonov on waivers to demote him to the American Hockey League. However, this move carries the risk of a rival team claiming him, although, considering his performance this season, this scenario appears unlikely.
Alternatively, the Leafs could explore a trade, as hinted by NHL insider Elliotte Friedman over the weekend. Friedman discussed the Leafs' involvement in the goaltending market, acknowledging the ongoing discussions surrounding Samsonov.
Despite hopes for a swift resolution, Friedman cautioned that no imminent trade is expected. He pointed out that teams with surplus goaltenders are looking to capitalize on the Leafs' predicament by demanding high prices.
If the Leafs do manage to make a move after the holiday roster freeze is lifted, it is likely to come at a significant cost. The tension builds as the Leafs navigate the challenging landscape of goaltending options, hinting at potential developments post-holiday break.
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