That’s why they have been probably hoping Samsonov’s deal would fall nearer to their submitting, although these hopes might have been a bit optimistic given Samsonov’s efficiency.
The 26-year-old 2015 first-rounder made probably the most of his one-year change-of-scenery deal from final summer season, profitable the number-one job in head coach Sheldon Keefe’s crease.
In 42 video games he went 27-10-5 with a .919 save proportion and a couple of.33 goals-against-average. He even helped Toronto to the playoff collection victory they’d lengthy been aching for, his 31-save efficiency in Sport Six towards Tampa Bay main the way in which.
With this resolution made, crucial and useful factor the Maple Leafs have gained is price certainty. They now know precisely what their anticipated tandem of Samsonov and Joseph Woll will price them subsequent season, which is able to assist information what they do transferring ahead within the offseason.
They nonetheless have Matt Murray on their books at a $4.687M cap hit, and are prone to pursue avenues to take away Murray’s deal from their cap sheet. A 72-hour buyout window will open for the staff to make the most of, and shopping for out Murray would scale back Murray’s cap hit to simply $675.5k for subsequent season at a value of $2M in lifeless cash in 2024-25.
They may additionally elect to attempt to commerce Murray, although the modified 10-team no-trade clause he possesses on his contract might make discovering a commerce at this stage of the offseason troublesome.
For Samsonov, this contract is a compromise between what he filed for and what the Maple Leafs needed to pay. It’s extra of a chance than anything, as he’s set himself as much as hit unrestricted free company subsequent summer season. If he can have one other sturdy season between the pipes in Toronto, he might set himself as much as be the highest UFA goalie in the marketplace behind Connor Hellebuyck.
