Toronto Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs Treliving Hints at Samsonov Contract Agreement

When Toronto Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving spoke to media yesterday, did he hint that Ilya Samsonov’s contract was in his pocket?

by
Old Prof
June 27, 2023

Do the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ilya Samsonov have a secret agreement for his re-signing with the team?

In an interview on Tuesday, Maple Leafs General Manager Brad Treliving discussed the team’s goaltending situation. In doing so, he shed light on the team’s plans for the upcoming season. Treliving openly praised Matt Murray. He noted that Murray was a good goalie but admitted he had issues with availability – because of his injuries. However, one name was not mentioned in Treliving’s remarks. That was Ilya Samsonov.

However, in reading between the lines, Treliving might have given away the team’s progress with re-signing Samsonov.

Treliving Mentioned Both Woll and Murray, Didn’t Say a Thing About Samsonov

Treliving acknowledged the team’s biggest challenge had been goaltender availability due to injuries. He then emphasized the need for stability between the pipes. But, he also admitted that, if the team would go into the regular season with three exceptional goalies on the roster, they would be just fine.

Joseph Woll Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender — Joe Woll likely to be on Maple Leafs’ Roster this season.

Given that he had already mentioned “young” Joe Woll and Murray as fine goalies, that left fans to speculate about the identity of the third goalie. Really, there’s only one choice – that’s Samsonov.

What Treliving Said About Woll

Treliving specifically mentioned Woll as the “young guy” who finished off the previous season well, he then suggested that he wanted to wait to see how Woll started the season. His note was that strong finishes don’t necessarily guarantee a strong start to the season. That, to me, hinted that Woll might not be ready for a starting role.

So, given that Samsonov is on an expiring contract, it would seem that Treliving’s enigmatic statements suggest that he has no worries that Samsonov would be with the team at the start of the season. Does that mean he’s already discussed and agreed to a contract extension with Samsonov and his agent? It would seem so.

While there has been no discussion about meeting with Samsonov about a re-signing, the conversation would lead all of us to believe that a surprise agreement has been reached and all that’s left would be for fans to wait for the announcement.

If I’m Right, That’s Good News for Maple Leafs Fans

The absence of Samsonov’s name during Treliving’s interview was a bit of a surprise; however, if I’m reading it correctly, it means that there’s been an agreement settled (or close) between the Maple Leafs and their talented goalie. Samsonov, in my mind, grew during the season and is a rising star.

I would be happy enough if the team began the season with Woll and Samsonov splitting the duties in the crease. Considering Treliving’s comments about having three good goalies and good depth in the position, it would seem logical to conclude that the Maple Leafs have quietly secured an agreement with Samsonov. Such an arrangement would provide the team with a formidable trio of goaltenders, each bringing their own strengths to the table.

As Training Camp Approaches, There Might Be Changes

In the coming weeks, as training camp approaches, Maple Leafs’ fans will be watching to see how the goalie situation plays out. That said, unless I have read this entirely wrong, I expect that Samsonov will be the third netminder.

In fact, I can’t imagine the team would keep Murray regardless of what Treliving said in his media interview. The injury issue was too difficult to maneuver. And, the salary cap hit is too high.

Right now I have to wonder if – rather than a trade or a buyout – the team might already know that Murray won’t play again. So, similar to Jake Muzzin, Murray will be on long-term injury reserve (LTIR).

We will soon see. I’m probably reading too much into what I heard and didn’t hear.