While NHL teams complete training camp invitations, the Edmonton Oilers could consider a well -known name for a professional try -out (PTO): goalkeeper Ilya Samsonov. Oilers Nation -Gastheren suggested the idea in a recent podcast, with the argument that Samsonov could be an upgrade about Calvin Pickard for an affordable price tag.
Samsonov, 28, is still on the open market after a regression in his game. Once a promising first round pick (22nd General in 2015 by the Washington Capitals), he played well with the Toronto Maple Leafs until he didn’t. An arbitration process in 2023 left him emotionally exhausted. His stock fell when he struggled. He went to the Ahl, returned, but he was still not at the level he once played.
For many of those reasons, he did not find a new home in the free desk this summer. Some wonder how and why no NHL team has given him a chance. That can mean that a PTO becomes its most likely option.
Is Samsonov logical for the oils?
Only a few seasons away from a strong campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Samsonov is a player who can make a GM look pretty brilliant. He placed a .919 savings percentage, 2.33 goals against average and 27 wins in 42 starts during the 2022-23 season. If he never arrives again, he will never do that. However, if a team takes on a cheap flyer and it works, it can be an important piece for any schedule that needs more reliable goal congregation.
Despite the recent struggles, some people believe that Samsonov can offer more upside down than the current backup of the oilers, Calvin Pickard. Pickard has been good in honesty. He did everything that the oilers could have asked of him and more. That said, Edmonton may have to test a few ideas and this will possibly find an upgrade this coming season.
A try-out that leads to a two-way contract is not the worst idea, Oilers Nation argues.
Pickard was reliable in limited action last season, but a min-nine goals that have been saved above the expected assessment suggests that he may not be the most consistent long-term solution behind Starter Stuart Skinner. Skinner himself had a minute rating, and emphasized a need for more substantial support in the fold.
Given the thin goalkeeper market and the family tree of Samsonov, a PTO with a low risk can be worth exploring for Edmonton.
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