Maple Leafs reveal goaltending plans after waiving Ilya Samsonov

By now, you've likely heard the news that the Toronto Maple Leafs have waived goaltender Ilya Samsonov after he was unable to find his game. The final straw occurred last week when he allowed six goals against the lowly Columbus Blue Jackets, essentially sealing his fate. 

The Leafs simply ran out of time with the Russian goaltender, and he's since cleared waivers. In the meantime, they've called up 22 year-old Dennis Hildeby from the American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies, as Joseph Woll continues to work his way back from injury. 

But as the Leafs prepare to embark on a Western road trip, head coach Sheldon Keefe didn't rule out the possibility of Martin Jones playing on back to back nights against the Los Angeles Kings and then Anaheim Ducks. 

"As we look at our week, and particular, the back-to-back that's coming, we haven't ruled out utilizing (Martin) Jones in both those games," Keefe admitted after Monday's practice. 

"As far as back-to-backs go, it's probably the easiest one you're going to get on the road in terms of no flight or anything like that. Instead of bussing to the airport, we'll be bussing to change hotels. So we'll take it a day at a time in terms of that."

For Hildeby, he's naturally excited for the opportunity and intends to make the most of it. 

"Brad (Treliving) called me and just congratulated me and explained the situation," Hildeby said. "[I'm] just very excited and [I've] felt like I've done something good to get this call-up. I'm very excited."

"We had a good start as a team and we've been playing good there," Hildeby continued. "I feel like I found my pace there, been fairly consistent in my performances and I think that's part of it."

The Leafs will be taking on the Kings tomorrow night at Crypto.com Arena in downtown Los Angeles.

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