The Maple Leafs Potential Plan For Ilya Samsonov Is Revealed

The Toronto Maple Leafs have an apparent strategy for Goaltender Ilya Samsonov in the case the 26-year-old clears NHL waivers after being placed for claim earlier yesterday.

Both Elliotte Friedman & Kevin Weekes have reported that the plan going forward is, if Samsonov is to clear waivers, that the Leafs plan is to not play for the Marlies this upcoming week, but to have him work with the team's coaching and development staff to re-approach his game. This includes a mental skills coach.

Samsonov, who was placed on waivers by Toronto, has struggled in a contract year following being awarded $3.55M in arbitration for this season. Currently, Samsonov has a 5-2-6 record in 15 games, but with a 3.94GAA and a .862SV% as well.

Toronto, who lacks a goaltending tandem with Joseph Woll on Injured Reserve, could potentially call up a Marlies Goalie, such as Dennis Hildeby, a widely reported name, or Keith Petruzzelli, although Toronto taking on a young goalie for an unsure amount of time is a risk.

A second option may be Eric Comrie, on waivers by the Buffalo Sabres. Comrie, who is 2 years off a .920SV% with Winnipeg, is an option, but at $1.8M may not be worth the price. Comrie is one of a few names mentioned by Luke Fox of Sportsnet in a recent article, Names such as Comrie, Jake Allen, Anton Forsberg and Dan Vladar. Another named option is Free Agent Jaroslav Halak, the 38-year-old possibly the easiest option for a quick addition that won't cost a return.

Toronto has it's plans out for Ilya Samsonov going forward, but will face another challenge on what to do next, and if he's claimed, there will surely be even more intrigue in how Toronto responds, although the team's focus is on Samsonov a continued member of the Leafs going forward.