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Former Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltender Linked to the Edmonton Oilers as Desperation Sets In
Photo credit: Imagn Images
The Edmonton Oilers are a team in desperate need of a new goalie, and as it turns out, a former Toronto Maple Leafs netminder might just be their perfect solution.
Ilya Samsonov is a goaltender who Toronto Maple Leafs fans know quite well, and not necessarily for the best of reasons.
We say that because while he did have one solid season with the team, his 2023-24 campaign was pretty horrendous. In fact, it led to the ascension of Joseph Woll, and the eventual signing of Anthony Stolarz.
Last season, Samsonov played for the Las Vegas Golden Knights, and for the most part, it did not go exceptionally well as he was backup all season.
Now, the goaltender is out of a job, and many around the league wonder whether or not he will ever get another chance.
Is Ilya Samsonov the answer for the Edmonton Oilers?
There are plenty of teams out there who could use themselves a goaltender. One of those teams is the Edmonton Oilers.
In fact, in a recent article, it was suggested that Samsonov might just be the answer to the Oilers' problems. While he may not be the starter, he would at least be some depth.
The Oilers could easily sign Samsonov to a PTO tomorrow if they really had the motivation to. But for now, it remains to be seen.
Of course, Samsonov could always go and play for a team in the KHL, or perhaps take on a contract that sees him return to the AHL for some conditioning.
Either way, we would be shocked if this is the end of the road for Samsonov's professional hockey career. He just needs to go somewhere that will boost his confidence.
Only time will tell whether or not the former Leaf can find himself a new home in the NHL.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 17 | 191 ANSWERS Former Toronto Maple Leafs Goaltender Linked to the Edmonton Oilers as Desperation Sets In Do you believe Ilya Samsonov is the right goaltender for the Edmonton Oilers? | ||
| YES | 68 | 35.6 % |
| NO | 123 | 64.4 % |
| List of polls | ||