Ilya Samsonov
The Leafs and Ilya Samsonov had to go to arbitration last off-season to get Samsonov signed to a $3.55 million one-year deal.
Samsonov will become a UFA this summer and can sign with any team. The Leafs will likely need to pay him more than $5 million if they want him to stay. His asking price will be around what the Leafs will need to spend on a number-one starting goaltender.
However, do the Leafs want to re-sign Samsonov, or does Treliving have another goaltender in mind?
Samsonov had a shaky start this season, but since being sent down to the AHL for a mental health break, he's played great. Since January 14th, Samsonov has a 13-4-1 record, which brings his season record to 18-6-7. He has a 3.12 GAA and .888 SV%, with two shutouts in 33 games.
Regardless of how the rest of the season goes, it won't matter if Samsonov and the Leafs underperform in the playoffs. Samsonov lost the starting goaltending job in the playoffs last season to rookie Joseph Woll. If he stumbles again, I'm sure Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe won't hesitate to use Woll again.
Samsonov has been a good goaltender for the Leafs during his two seasons in Toronto. As of Friday, Samsonov has an overall record of 45-16-12 with six shutouts in 75 games. He also has a 2.67 GAA and a .906 SV% during his time with the Leafs.
I can see Samsonov leaving in free agency unless the Leafs overpay. I would rather see the Leafs spend their money wisely to fix more than just their goaltending.