Sometimes, players make their presence known by unconventional means. That includes impressing the fan base by playing above their means and making the Olympic qualifier roster. For Ilya Samsonov, it's telling Linus Ullmark to keep his arse shut after being called out on a Toronto Maple Leafs podcast. Talk about making an impact in the oddest way possible.
The newest Vegas Golden Knights goaltender started beefing with the newest Ottawa Senators netminder, setting the date for a massive showdown on November 21. Fans can expect Samsonov to receive a chorus of boos when he arrives in Canada's capital on that date. Ottawa fans are hoping Ullmark doesn't have his rear end sewn shut before that game. Otherwise, he'd be a ticking timebomb.
Jokes aside, the expectation for the Russian goalie is to back up Adin Hill. Hill has been rewarded the starting job after Logan Thompson wanted a trade out of the Golden Knights organization. That way, the Calgary native could compete for a starting job. Meanwhile, things in Las Vegas could be good for the new goaltender, as long as he isn't posting obscure comments on Instagram. Here's what the 2024-25 season will be like for Samsonov as he backs up Hill in net.
What the 2024-25 season will look like for Ilya Samsonov and the Vegas Golden Knights
The main factor in the 2024-25 season for Ilya Samsonov won't be the Russian goaltender himself. It'll be the man he's backing up in Adin Hill, who's had a notorious history of injuries. Last season, he missed time with a lower-body injury. He also had this issue in 2022-23, when he dealt with a lower-body injury. He didn't start until the second round against the Edmonton Oilers, where the rest was history.
The question will be how much ice time will Samsonov get this season? Will he get more reps if Hill goes down? There's also adjusting to a different system from Toronto, which has a distinct defensive style. The Golden Knights are more apt to use their bodies and block shots, disrupting the play. How he plays with defenders clogging shooting lanes and giving him easier looks will determine his season.
So what does the 2024-25 campaign hold for Samsonov? Let's assume that Hill suffers another lower-body injury and misses time. Let's say he misses 12 games and Samsonov starts in 35 games. The Russian netminder will post a GAA of 3.01 and a save percentage of .898. He can improve his numbers in a prove-it deal with Vegas. After all, his 2022-23 season showed he's capable of much more (2.33 GAA and a save percentage of .919). As long as he isn't trying to tie up Linus Ullmark in disturbing ways, he should fit in with the Golden Knights this season.