NHL Free Agency: 3 Potential Destinations for Ilya Samsonov

Free-agent goaltender Ilya Samsonov needs a contract.

The 28-year-old hits the free-agent market after making $1.8 million with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he posted a 2.82 goals against average, a very respectable figure. Samsonov has been the guy before, he's been a backup, and he's been part of a tandem splitting time, so he's certainly familiar with anything thrown his way.

While the KHL could be an option, Samsonov prefers to play in the NHL next season, and could wind up signing with one of the following three teams:

Edmonton Oilers

There's no doubt the Oilers will do something to upgrade their crease, but adding Samsonov may not receive the reception they hope for. John Gibson was their number-one target and wound up traded to the Red Wings, so perhaps Edmonton looks to add a veteran to battle for a spot in training camp.

Calgary Flames

The Flames let Daniel Vladar go and want to add another goaltender before the offseason is over. With Dustin Wolf the goaltender of the now, and the future, they're just looking for a cheap backup who has experience starting in case Wolf gets hurt. Samsonov fits the bill and is very likely on their radar.

Nashville Predators

The Predators don't have much depth behind Juuse Saros and could see Samsonov a fit on a cheap one-year deal. The Predators have loads of cap space left and while they aren't making any major moves up front, at least they not expected to, they could use some of their remaining resources to bring in the former first-round pick to battle for the backup to Saros.

photo credit:  Sergei Belski-Imagn Images