Vegas Golden Knights Sign Ilya Samsonov

Ben Jackson/NHLI via Getty Images

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.

ITR 31: Let Them Fight Inside The Rink

Join Conrad and Chris to discuss WHL expansion, Thatcher Demko returning from IR, Gabe Viladri out week-to-week, Gabriel Landeskog a full practice participant, and the NHL referees stopping a goalie fight. Join in on all this and MUCH more!
  1. ITR 31: Let Them Fight
  2. ITR 30: Down The Stretch
  3. ITR 29: Trade Deadline Review
  4. ITR 28: Deadline Week
  5. ITR 27: Trade Season Begins

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Armand Klisivitch

Inside The Rink ECHL Manager | Senior Editor Credentialed Reporter for the Adirondack Thunder & Worcester Railers.

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