Ilya Samsonov is headed to the 2023 Stanley Cup champs.
Vegas Golden Knights general manager Kelly McCrimmon announced Monday that the team has signed the former Toronto Maple Leafs goalie to a one-year contract worth $1.8 million.
Samsonov has spent the past two seasons tending the crease in Toronto. In 2023-24, the 27-year-old Russian posted a 23-7-8 record with an .890 save percentage and 3.13 goals-against average in 40 games.
Originally a first-round pick of the Washington Capitals in 2015, Samsonov also played in five of Toronto's playoff games in 2023-24, picking up four losses while posting an .896 save percentage and 3.01 goals-against average.
After trading Logan Thompson to the Capitals, Samsonov will team up with Adin Hill to form the Golden Knights' goaltending duo.
In five NHL seasons, Samsonov owns a 102-39-21 record with a .904 save percentage and a 2.76 goals-against average.
The Maple Leafs have been busy on the goaltending market, ultimately looking in other directions before a Samsonov reunion. Toronto gave Joseph Woll a three-year extension, brought in former Florida Panthers backup Anthony Stolarz on a two-year, $5-million deal and re-signed Matt Murray for one year.
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