Ilya Samsonov is a current National Hockey League playing for the Vegas Golden Knights. Samsonov was highly regarded as a top goaltending prospect due to his size, athleticism, and poise in net. Drafted 22nd overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2015 NHL Draft, becoming the highest drafted Russian goaltender since Semyon Varlamov. Before joining the NHL, Samsonov developed his skills in the KHL with Metallurg Magnitogorsk, where he gained valuable experience competing against seasoned professionals. He made the jump to the NHL in the 2019-20 season with the Capitals and quickly impressed with his strong play, posting an excellent rookie season and providing stability in goal. Known for his quick reflexes and ability to read plays well, Samsonov showed early signs of being a potential long-term starter. However, his time in Washington had ups and downs, as he faced inconsistencies and some injury challenges. Following the 2021-22 season, he was not re-signed by the Capitals and subsequently joined the Toronto Maple Leafs. In Toronto, Samsonov split goaltending duties with Matt Murray initially and later began to establish himself as a primary starter. His blend of size, athleticism, and quick lateral movement makes him well-suited for high-pressure situations, and he has become a key player for the Maple Leafs as they work toward playoff success. However in the summer of 2024, Samsonov signed with the Vegas Golden Knights to help them make another run at a Stanley Cup.
