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Washington Capitals re-sign Ilya Samsonov for one year contract

Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X August 10, 2021
1 1 minute read

The Washington Capitals re-signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a one-year, $2 million contract on Monday.

Samsonov was a restricted free agent after posting a 13-4-1 mark last season with two shutouts. He struggled in the postseason — much like most of the Capitals did — dropping all of his three playoff starts in Washington’s first-round loss to the Boston Bruins.

This season, he will again compete for playing time in Washington with Vitek Vanecek, 25, who was taken in the expansion draft by the Seattle Kraken, only to be reacquired by Washington.

Selected by Washington at No. 22 overall in 2015, Samsonov’s season was paused twice this year due to COVID-19 protocols. He is 29-10-3 with a 2.61 goals-against average for his career, finishing second in wins among rookies in 2019-20 with 16.

When Samsonov was on the ice he did not play at the level that was expected (the illness almost certainly played a role in that).

Samsonov has played 45 regular season games in the NHL with a .908 save percentage.

He is still only 24 years old and has the talent and potential to still emerge as the Capitals’ goalie of both the present and the future. They just need to see it now.

He will be a restricted free agent when this contract ends after this season.

Igor Burdetskiy

Igor Burdetskiy

Founder, Editor-in-Chief, & CEO at Hooked on Hockey Magazine
I grew up playing Ball and Roller Hockey day and night somewhat religiously throughout elementary and middle school. The two don't compare though when I lace up the skates and hit the ice. I live and breathe hockey beyond the perspective of "it's just a game" and I will gladly talk hockey for hours with anyone. Hockey is more than just a lifestyle, it's a culture of passionate people who make memories every time the puck is dropped. Hockey has not only helped me get through some of the hardest times in life but has created some of the best memories to date. Want to talk hockey with me? Shoot me an email: iburdetskiy@hookedonhockey.com and let's talk some hockey!
Igor Burdetskiy
Photo of Igor Burdetskiy Igor Burdetskiy Follow on X August 10, 2021
1 1 minute read
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