3 Potential Free-Agent Destinations for Ilya Samsonov

The NHL's free-agent market is very thin on talent at this point, as the offseason is coming to a close, and the focus will shift to training camps for the 2025-26 season. Goaltender Ilya Samsonov is one of the best remaining goaltenders left on the market, and for now, his focus is set on signing an NHL contract for next year.

The 28-year-old Russian netminder went 16-9 last season with a 2.82 goals against average and two shutouts. Here's three teams he could wind up signing with before camps open in a few weeks:

Edmonton Oilers

Easy target, the Oilers are looking for a third goaltender to push Calvin Pickard for the backup role next season, and considering Samsonov has starting experience, isn't far off a career season, and is still under 30, he makes a ton of sense for Edmonton. Both of the Oilers goaltenders are pending free agents, so there's no doubt they are considering all their options in net, including trading for Penguins' Tristan Jarry.

Carolina Hurricanes

The 'Canes don't have a ton of depth organizationally in net, so adding a third goaltender with experience is still a priority before camp, especially considering the health history of their current tandem. Samsonov could potentially have to settle for a two-way deal, which would be quite the fall from grace from two years ago when he was starting playoff games for the Maple Leafs, but life comes at you fast in the NHL.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Speaking of the Leafs, Samsonov could return to Toronto and play the role Matt Murray and Martin Jones have played in recent years, as the experienced number three who goes up and down between the Leafs and Toronto Marlies of the AHL. With Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll both being question marks as far as health sustainability goes, it could be wise for GM Brad Treliving to bring in another experienced netminder to push for minutes.

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