The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled struggling goaltender Ilya Samsonov from the AHL's Toronto Marlies, the NHL team announced Wednesday.
Goalie Dennis Hildeby has been loaned to the Marlies.
Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said Samsonov will be the backup Thursday night when the team faces the Islanders in New York.
"Today it was really just a chance for us to get him in here, get him back into practice with us, get him back on the ice with (goaltending coach) Curtis Sanford and really see where he’s at since we’ve left," Keefe said. "So it’s partly about that but it’s equally if not more about Dennis Hildeby, quite honestly, who we gave the day off to today, assigned to the Marlies but a day off today, and a chance to practise with the Marlies tomorrow while we’re away and then get a game in with the Marlies on Friday.
"That’s really what it’s about but at the same time, it gives us a chance to assess Ilya and give him an opportunity to get back with the group."
Samsonov was waived by the Leafs on Dec. 31 after struggling to a 3.94 goals-against average and .862 save percentage in 15 games.
The Russian did not play for the Marlies during his time away from the Leafs, with the team opting to have him skate and work out away from the team.
The Leafs called it a "physical and mental reset" for Samsonov, who originally signed with Toronto before last season.
Samsonov's last game with the Leafs was an ugly 6-5 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in which he faced just 21 shots. He has given up four or more goals in each of his past four starts.
"I think he was very appreciative with how we handled it the last bit and how he’s been able to work with (Marlies goaltender coach) Hannu (Toivonen) and his combination of spending time alone working on his game and lots of time in the gym, lots of time to clear his head, and go through the mental side of it," Keefe said.
"(He) got a good practice with the Marlies yesterday, get some more of those types of reps, which are important for him. He’s going through it right now and we’ve got to help him through that but also he’s got to help himself and in the meantime, we’ve got to continue to do what’s right for Hiledby and his development."
Hildeby didn't see action with the Leafs after getting called up to replace Samsonov.
With Joseph Woll nursing an ankle injury, veteran goalie Martin Jones has stepped up in a huge way for the Leafs. He has started the last five games, notching four wins.
Jones, who turned 34 Wednesday, is 8-3 with a 1.98 goals-against average and .934 save percentage this season.
Following Thursday's game in New York, the Maple Leafs play back-to-back home games on Saturday and Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings.
At some point during that stretch, the Leafs likely will give Jones a rest.
Keefe told reporters on Wednesday that Jones will start against the Islanders.
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