Maple Leafs Notebook: Why Samsonov chose Toronto

TORONTO — He can laugh about it now, but Ilya Samsonov’s starts against the Toronto Maple Leafs last season were decidedly more horror than comedy.

“I just remember how we played against the Leafs, I’m probably going to the bench after the first period. All three games,” laughs the newcomer.

“Everyone knows this is the best team to score goals.”

In truth, Samsonov only faced his high-octane new team twice in 2021-22. But when you give up seven goals and are drawn in crucial defeats well before the second buzzer, two nights can certainly feel like more.

If you can’t beat them, join them.

After Thursday’s first official practice session with the Maple Leafs — a crowded, high-paced marathon session that used all four surfaces at the Ford Performance Center and required multiple floods — Samsonov was upbeat in his first meeting with Toronto reporters.

“I really like it. I’m so excited,” Samsonov said. “Everyone here wants to win the Stanley Cup and it’s a good opportunity for me.”

So good, in fact, that Samsonov says he turned down longer-term offers before signing a one-year, $1.8 million deal with the Leafs after a successful pitch from GM Kyle Dubas.

“It was good for me and good for the team,” explains Samsonov.

“He really wanted it to be a year-long show-me, bet-on-yourself deal, which isn’t always common when players come out of this shock without being QO when he wasn’t expecting it ‘ Dubas said. “That impressed me.”

Samsonov was due to start the season as 1B to Matt Murray’s 1A, and the two have already struck up a friendship, arriving in town well before camp opens.

The 25-year-old shifted his preferred sweater number (30) to the two-time cup winners, opting instead for 35, his original number at AHL Hershey.

But given Murray’s injury history and Samsonov’s hunger, a healthy fight for work should ensue.

“Both have shown that they can carry the load and we need to make them both work and that will be difficult when one plays all the games and the other sits,” Dubas told reporters.

“The way the schedule is at the beginning of the year it kind of makes it easy to get them both rolling. But that means it’s going to be merit based, how they play on shows, how they play early in the year… they weren’t promised anything either and they’ll earn (season time).

If Murray is a big gamble with a two-year cap of $4.69 million, Samsonov is a more calculated one at half the term and a fraction of the price.

In 94 games spread across three Washington campaigns, Samsonov recorded a .902 save percentage and 3.02 goals against average. Not exactly impressive numbers, but he’s won more games than he’s lost (53-23-10).

Capitals GM Brian MacLellan tried to trade Samsonov during the offseason but couldn’t find a partner. The organization then declined to make him a qualifying offer of $2.2 million and let their 2015 first-rounder run for free — a decision Samsonov says surprised him “a little bit.” .

The goalie does it.

According to those close to the team, Samsonov’s ATV injury ahead of the 2020 bubble playoffs didn’t endear him to the team.

Forget the numbers, a source advised.

Samsonov may be athletic and capable of highlight moments, but he can also drift off or lose his racquet.

The Russian gained a reputation for conceding soft, untimely goals in tight games that would ruin the momentum.

“The team gave him ample opportunity to take the #1 job and he was unable to achieve sustained success,” the source said.

New Leafs goalkeeping coach Curtis Sanford meets challenge from Samsonov’s rebound. Sanford flew to Florida, where Samsonov conducted his summer training with reigning Vezina champion Igor Shesterkin.

The focus was on improving Samsonov’s footwork, cross-fold speed and follow-up. Samsonov also consulted Shesterkin’s brain to steel his mental game.

“He puts in a lot of work and is a very motivated guy who comes into play,” enthuses coach Sheldon Keefe.

“Very nice guy. Great attitude, great approach. He speaks good English but makes every effort to talk to boys.”

Before Samsonov showed up to the Toronto camp, he talked to his colleagues Ilyas, Lyubushkin and Mikheyev to get an idea of ​​what it will look like under the microscope.

“Everyone says the same thing: nice people, lots of media here,” Samsonov smiles.

“Me and Matt will both get an opportunity. It’s really nice opportunity for me. He is a nice guy. We will try to step on the gas together and we want to win with this team.”

Muzzin is already eliminated

Jake Muzzin was a notable absentee from Day 1 of the camp’s on-ice sessions.

The fourth best defender will be sidelined until early next week due to back pain.

“I feel good and I haven’t felt any of the concussions I’ve had in the past. But I’m feeling good and ready for this year,” Muzzin told reporters on Wednesday.

Keefe says he’s not concerned about the seriousness of the problem.

“Today is one of the toughest days of the year for the most part. It was a good day to give him an extra break,” said the coach.

The 33-year-old was limited to 47 appearances in 2021-22 as he struggled with multiple complaints but showed himself well in the seven-game Tampa Bay series.

Toronto’s blueline depth took a hit in the preseason with RFA’s Rasmus Sandin not yet signed and Timothy Liljegren (hernia) out for at least six weeks.

One-time: Calle Järnkrok opened the camp together with Auston Matthews and Michael Bunting. Adam Gaudette skated with John Tavares and Mitch Marner. The new guys will get the best audition time for the top 6…. Pierre Engvall (foot) ran in full gear on a separate pad. He is ruled out until October 3rd…. Goalie Joseph Woll (shoulder) and forward Mikhail Abramov (back) are still recovering from injuries…. The team has been split into two groups who will host the Ottawa Senators in Saturday’s preseason double header… The Maple Leafs’ training camp playlist – cranked up to 11 – felt very strongly about the Super Bowl LVI halftime show and Dr. Dre inspires at. A steady stream of vintage NWA, Eminem, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar and The Game. A little Future and Drake threw in for good measure. No complaints here.