Leafs, Samsonov, far apart in arbitration negotiations

When the Washington Capitals let goaltender Ilya Samsonov walk as a restricted free agent in the 2022 offseason, he was a young, highly touted goaltender that had yet to prove himself at the NHL level consistently. In his first year in Toronto, on a one year deal where he'd finish again as an RFA, Samsonov posted his first full great season in the NHL - and is now looking to cash in.

At 26 years old this season, Samsonov played 42 games, recording a 2.33GAA and a .919 save percentage, along with a record of 27-10-5. They're gaudy stats for the young goalie, but it seems like they may have got to his head in his revealed arbitration numbers.

Reported by Elliotte Friedman moments ago, Ilya Samsonov has filed for $4.9M in arbitration, while the Leafs stand at $2.4M.

It's a high ask for an RFA goalie, considering arbitration contracts are usually short term, and considering the market around goaltenders. After winning the Stanley Cup with Colorado in 2022, Darcy Kuemper signed with the Capitals for just $5.25M. Other older, more established starting goalies, have signed for less than that number since that deal had been signed.

It has been rumoured that the Leafs would like to keep Samsonov on a short term contract, even perhaps a one year deal. With Matt Murray currently as the second option, it's imperative the Leafs reach a solution with Samsonov - all while the team is already over the cap. It will be an interesting next few weeks for the Leafs as they continue an overhaul of an offseason.

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