Either Ilya Samsonov/Matt Murray is Poised to have a Big Season

The Toronto Maple Leafs made a bold move this offseason. The team let go of all-star goaltender Jack Campbell and Petr Mrazek (at the trade deadline) and picked up two high-risk, high-reward goaltenders.

Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov are two similar goaltenders. Both goalies have had strong seasons before, but have had poor seasons leading up to this offseason.
 
Let's start with Matt Murray. Murray broke into the NHL with the Pittsburgh Penguins after he stole the show from Marc-Andre Fleury. Before being shipped out to Ottawa, Murray was able to win two Stanley Cups with the Pens.
 
Boy, oh boy, Murray's time in Ottawa was an absolute disaster! The Thunder Bay native only played in 47 games with his new team. Last season, Murray split time with the Sens, the AHL and on the injured list. Yes, Murray started the season off so poorly, the Sens optioned him off to the AHL, placing him on waivers. Although, Murray finished the season on a high note, with a .906 save percentage and a 3.05 goals-against-average.


Ilya Samsonov was a former first round pick of the Washington Capitals in the Connor McDavid draft. The goaltender was selected 22nd overall and was touted as one of the top goaltending prospects in the entire NHL.
 
Samsonov's development has been shaky, as he never put up a quality season in the AHL. And some Capitals fans have stated that he may have been rushed into the NHL.
 
Samsonov really got his name out during the 2019-20 season, when he made his NHL debut. Like Murray, Samsonov effectively stole the net from veteran Braden Holtby. Samsonov appeared in 26 games and had a save percentage of .913 and a goals-against-average of 2.55.
 
Ever since the 2019-20 season, Samsonov has yet to play a full-quality season. During the 2021-22 season, Samsonov posted a .896 save percentage, resulting in the Capitals' moving on from the once touted prospect.


It is safe to say that either Matt Murray or Ilya Samsonov will have a big season. Both players will receive a change of scenery and play on a very talented, high-end team. It is also worth noting that Samsonov is currently on a one-year deal while Murray is on a two-year deal. If either netminder would like to continue their career in the NHL, they would need to put in a good season in order to secure an extension or new contract.
 
Matt Murray or Ilya Samsonov will put up a great season with the Toronto Maple Leafs.