Maple Leafs goalie Ilya Samsonov positioned on waivers

Ilya Samsonov might have performed his final sport with the Maple Leafs.

Samsonov was positioned on waivers Sunday afternoon, two days after he was lit up for six targets in Columbus.

The man who was speculated to be the Leafs’ No. 1 goalie this season as a substitute misplaced that job comparatively rapidly to Joseph Woll. Samsonov holds a lowly .862 save share, second-worst amongst NHL regulars this season.

The Leafs tried and tried to get Samsonov again on monitor. Goalie coach Curtis Sanford spent day after day with Samsonov earlier than and after observe, working with him on his approach whereas additionally taking part in the function of counselor to the struggling goaltender. Samsonov and Sanford would continuously interact in lengthy conversations as Samsonov tried to dispel the psychological struggles that he stated have been affecting his play.

It by no means took.

Samsonov surrendered three targets or extra in 10 of his 15 appearances. Even when the crew in entrance of him performed properly, pucks someway discovered their manner in. The Leafs couldn’t proceed to play him.

Now, waivers.

If he goes unclaimed, which appears possible in gentle of his struggles and a $3.55 million cap hit, Samsonov will head to the Marlies and try to determine his sport there. It’s not in contrast to the trail the Edmonton Oilers took earlier this season with Jack Campbell. The large distinction between the 2: Samsonov’s contract expires after the season.

Samsonov elected for wage arbitration this previous summer time. He’d emerged as their No. 1 final season, however had a restricted monitor file of NHL success earlier than that, together with failed stints as Washington’s No. 1. Therefore, the entrance workplace’s comprehensible unwillingness to decide to him on a much bigger, longer deal.

The place the Leafs go from right here with out Samsonov is clearly unsure.

Dennis Hildeby figures to be promoted from the Marlies to play alongside Martin Jones in the intervening time. Common supervisor Brad Treliving might additionally put in a declare for Eric Comrie, who was additionally waived by the Sabres on Sunday.

Comrie hasn’t performed a lot or that properly in Buffalo this season, however in contrast to Hildeby, has NHL expertise and may very well be a buffer for the Leafs till Woll returns from a excessive ankle sprain.

Treliving might properly resolve to pursue somebody higher on the commerce market.

Is that this the top for Samsonov with the Leafs? Very possible sure. It’s doable he finds his sport once more within the AHL and turns into an choice in case of damage to both Woll, Jones, or whoever else the crew may purchase.

Barring all of that although, it’s over.

Required studying

(Photograph: Claus Andersen / Getty Pictures)