Ilya Samsonov awarded one-year deal with Toronto Maple Leafs

Samsonov, 26, was a restricted free agent after the conclusion of his one-year, $1.8 million contract that he signed with the Leafs in unrestricted free agency in 2022 after the Washington Capitals opted to not give him a qualifying offer. He elected to go to arbitration after the two parties couldn’t reach a new agreement, with the hearing taking place on Friday.

The contract puts the Maple Leafs in an interesting spot, as they now find themselves more than $8.8 million over the salary cap. With Jake Muzzin’s $5.625 million cap hit most likely being placed on long-term injured reserve, that still leaves them with about $3.2 million to need to move around to be cap compliant. The likely candidate is goaltender Matt Murray and his $4.6875 cap hit, whether it be via trade or a buyout.

The other issue that arises for the Leafs is that they are currently 10.58% over the salary cap, which exceeds the offseason limit of 10%. This also includes players projected to be placed on LTIR, as they cannot be placed until the start of the season so they still count against the cap. Another move will need to be made in order for the Leafs to be cap compliant for the remainder of the offseason, on top of any move they’d need to make to be cap compliant for the regular season.

Samsonov had a breakout year in his first season in Toronto, with a 27-10-5 record, a .919 save percentage, and four shutouts in 42 games, all career-highs for the goaltender. He also played in nine games in the playoffs, helping the Leafs to their first playoff series win in 19 years with a 4-4 record and an .898 save percentage before an injury caused him to leave during Game 3 of the second round against the Florida Panthers.

Samsonov’s new deal will be the highest salary he’s achieved in his NHL career, surpassing his 2021-22 contract that had a $2 million cap hit. His closest cap hit comparables are Chris Driedger and Marc-Andre Fleury, who come in at $3.5 million next season.