Former Maple Leafs Goalie Ilya Samsonov Signs With New Team

After seven seasons in North America, 28-year-old Ilya Samsonov is returning to the KHL. He has signed a two-year deal with HC Sochi, as announced by the league on Saturday morning.

Samsonov is returning to Russia, signing a two-year deal with HC Sochi of the KHL after his NHL market dried up. The 28-year-old, who posted a .891 SV% with Vegas last season, saw his play decline sharply after a breakout 2022-23 with Toronto.

Just two years ago, Samsonov was thriving with the Maple Leafs, posting a 23-7-8 record before taking a leave for personal reasons. He was never quite the same after he returned, even after some time in the AHL. Last season, he suited up for the Vegas Golden Knights, but with Adin Hill and Akira Schmid in the crease, Samsonov was the odd man out.

He leaves the NHL with 200 games played, a 118-48-25 record, 15 shutouts, a 2.77 GAA, and a .902 SV%. Whether he returns remains to be seen, but the fact he couldn’t land a PTO or a one-year deal in the NHL this season means there isn’t much interest in his services. At the same time, Samsonov will terminate his contract with Sochi at the end of the current season if he receives an offer from an NHL team.

Sochi acquired his rights from Metallurg Magnitogorsk for cash.

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