John Tavares reveals Leafs true thoughts on Ilya Samsonov

The Toronto Maple Leafs simply could not wait any longer for goaltender Ilya Samsonov's struggles to stop, and they made the call to place him on waivers after allowing six goals against the basement-dwelling Columbus Blue Jackets. And after having gone unclaimed, he's now reporting to the American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies. 

His win-loss record in 2023-24 was a far cry from the strong season that he enjoyed last season, going 5-2-6 with a 3.94 goals against average and .862 save percentage.

However, captain John Tavares is chalking up Samsonov's poor performances in net to he and the rest of his teammates simply not playing better in front of the Russian goaltender.

"We feel for Sammy in the way that it has gone," Tavares said. "As a team and individually, you're disappointed that in a lot of those games, we just didn't play better. We love him as a teammate. So definitely feel for him."

What are the odds that Samsonov is able to find his game in the American Hockey League and potentially re-join the Leafs at some point this season? Only time will tell. Until then, the Leafs will be rolling with the tandem of Martin Jones and Dennis Hildeby for the time being with Joseph Woll still on the shelf thanks to injury. 

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