The Vegas Golden Knights have signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a one-year deal worth $1.8 million. Samsonov, a former first-round pick of the Washington Capitals, spent his first four seasons in the Capitals organization putting up a 20-14-3 record with a 2.70 GAA, .898SV%, and three shutouts during the 2018-19 season with the Hershey Bears. In 89 games with Washington, he would put up a 52-22-8 record with a 2.81 GAA, .902SV%, and six shutouts. The 27-year-old goaltender would spend the next two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, going 50-17-4 with a 2.71 GAA, .905SV%, and seven shutouts. Samsonov has struggled in the playoffs as he’s posted a 6-14 record with a 3.05 GAA and .901SV% in 22 Stanley Cup Playoff Games.
For Vegas and Samsonov, this is a good deal for both sides as Samsonov gets a fresh start with Vegas after a rough season in Toronto which included seeing him getting waived by the Leafs at one point. Samsonov will fill the void for Vegas that was left by Logan Thompson, who was traded to the Washington Capitals for two third-round picks. The Russian goaltender will be the backup in Vegas behind Adin Hill which may take off some of the pressure that Samsonov had while in Toronto. This one-year deal allows Samsonov to earn himself a bigger deal next Summer and gives the Golden Knights an experienced backup goaltender for the 2024-25 season. Vegas also acquired Akira Schmid from the New Jersey Devils on Saturday; Schmid will likely begin the year in the AHL with Henderson.
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