Do the Toronto Maple Leafs and Ilya Samsonov have a confidential agreement to re-sign him with the team?
In an interview Tuesday, Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treleving discussed the team’s goal-seeking attitude. In doing so, he shed light on the team’s plans for the upcoming season. Treliving publicly praised Matt Murray. He noted that Murray was a good goalkeeper but admitted that he had problems with his presence – due to his injuries. However, not a single name is mentioned in Treliving’s notes. This was Ilya Samsonov.
However, reading between the lines, Treliving may have given up the team’s lead by re-signing Samsonov.
Related: Maple Leafs news and rumors: Hanifin, Voit, Karlsson and Treliving
Treliving mentions Woll and Murray, and says nothing about Samsonov
Treleving admitted that the biggest challenge for the team was the availability of the goalkeeper due to injuries. Then he stressed the need for stability between the tubes. But he also admitted that if a team goes into the regular season with three exceptional goalkeepers on the roster, they’ll be fine.
Given that he had already mentioned Joe Wall and the “young” Murray as good goalkeepers, that left fans speculating about who the third goalkeeper would be. Really, there is only one option – and it’s Samsonov.
What Treliving said about Woll
Treliving specifically mentioned Woll as the “youngster” who had finished the previous season well, then suggested he wait and see how Woll started the season. His observation was that strong finishes do not necessarily guarantee a strong start to the season. This, to me, hinted that Wall might not be ready for the starting role.
So, since Samsonov is on an expired contract, Treliving’s vague remarks seem to indicate that he has no qualms about Samsonov being with the team at the start of the season. Does this mean that he has already discussed and agreed to extend the contract with Samsonov and his agent? It seems so.
While there was no discussion of the meeting with Samsonov about re-signing, the conversation would lead us all to believe that a sudden deal has been reached and all that remains is for fans to wait for the announcement.
RELATED: Former Maple Leafs icon Zack O’Brien heads off the Howlers to Slovakia
If I’m right, good news for Maple Leafs fans
The absence of Samsonov’s name during Treleving’s interview was somewhat surprising. However, if I’m reading it correctly, it means that there is an agreement settled (or soon) between the Maple Leafs and the talented goaltender. Samsonov, in my opinion, has grown over the season and has been a rising star.
I’d be happy enough if the team started the season with Wall and Samsonov dividing duties at the crease. Given Treliving’s comments about having three good guards and good depth in the center, it seems logical to conclude that the Maple Leafs have quietly secured an agreement with Samsonov. Such an arrangement would provide the team with a formidable trio of goalkeepers, each bringing their own strength to the table.
As training camp approaches, there may be changes
In the coming weeks, as training camp approaches, Maple Leafs fans will be watching to see how the goalie situation plays out. Having said that, unless I’m reading this completely wrong, I’d expect Samsonov to be the net’s third goalkeeper.
In fact, I can’t imagine the team would keep Murray regardless of what Treleving said in his media interview. The injury issue was very difficult to maneuver. The salary cap is also very high.
For now, I have to wonder if the team – rather than a trade or acquisition – actually knew Murray would never play again. So, similar to Jake Muzzin, Murray will be on Long Term Injury Reserve (LTIR).
We’ll see soon. Perhaps I am reading too much into what I have heard and not heard.
Related: Why The Maple Leafs Should Resign Alex Kerfoot