Had he gone down a longer contract path this summer, Ilya Samsonov would have been in training camp with another National Hockey League club.
In his first availability with Toronto media since signing a one-year, US$1.8 million deal on July 13, the 25-year-old goaltender acknowledged that he turned down multi-year offers from other teams.
“It’s good for me and good for the team,” Samsonov said on Thursday, referring to his one-year pact with the Leafs. “Everybody knows we want to win the Stanley Cup and it’s a good opportunity for me, to help the team and look (to) the future.”
If Samsonov, a restricted free agent, has the kind of bounce-back season he desires after having some struggles with the Washington Capitals, he knows his next contract will take care of itself.
Samsonov spent the summer in Florida, where he skated with Vezina Trophy winner Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers. New Leafs goalie coach Curtis Sanford also paid a couple of visits.
“We’re trying to get better with my speed, my foot work,” said Samsonov, who was pulled in two starts against the Leafs last season. “It’s a great team. I’m really enjoying it. We have a nice opportunity with (goalie) Matt (Murray). We’ll try to push together.”
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