The Toronto Maple Leafs will once again start veteran goaltender Martin Jones for Tuesday’s home game against the San Jose Sharks, head coach Sheldon Keefe confirmed to reporters Monday.
It will be the fourth consecutive start for Jones.
Jones has provided a huge boost to the Maple Leafs with Joseph Woll injured and Ilya Samsonov unable to find his form.
The veteran goalie has a 7-3 record, two shutouts, a 2.08 goals-against average and a .932 save percentage over 11 games played for Toronto.
Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving also provided an update on Samsonov on Monday, saying things have been “so far, so good” with his solo workouts and the staff will come together to figure out the plans for him moving forward.
The Maple Leafs placed Samsonov on waivers on Dec. 31 after he struggled in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He cleared waivers the next day, but has not been with the AHL Marlies as the team wanted him to focus on a “physical and mental reset” instead.
In his second year with the Maple Leafs, Samsonov struggled right out of the gate, posting career-worst numbers with a .862 save percentage and a 3.94 goals-against average.