Maple Leafs place G Ilya Samsonov on waivers

Field Level Media|published: Sun 31st December, 19:22 2023

Dec 29, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov (35) makes a save against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the third period at Nationwide Arena. credits: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

Two days after goalie Ilya Samsonov gave up six goals to the Columbus Blue Jackets, the former first-round pick was put on waivers by the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sunday.

Samsonov, 26, has struggled this season (5-2-6 in 15 starts) and lost his role as Toronto's No. 1 goalie to Joseph Woll.

Samsonov also sports an .862 save percentage and 3.94 goals-against average, both of which rank second worst among goalies with at least 10 appearances this season.

If he goes unclaimed, Samsonov - who allowed three or more goals in 10 of his appearances — would head to the Leafs' AHL affiliate, the Toronto Marlies, and try to work through his issues. With Samsonov's recent woes and $3.55 million cap hit, it seems unlikely he would be claimed, per The Athletic.

With Woll out with a high-ankle injury, veteran Martin Jones has taken over as the starter. Per Sportsnet, the Leafs have considered calling up goalie prospect Dennis Hildeby.

Samsonov, selected No. 22 overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2015 draft, is 84-34-19 in 146 games (134 starts) with a .903 save percentage and a 2.77 GAA for the Capitals (2019-22) and Maple Leafs.

—Field Level Media

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