Former NHL goaltender Ilya Samsonov has officially joined HC Sochi in the KHL, signing a two-year contract. This announcement marks his return to the Russian league where he previously enjoyed significant success.
Ilya Samsonov’s NHL Career Overview
Samsonov, 28 years old, had a notable career in the NHL, playing for teams such as the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Vegas Golden Knights. His performance during the last season with the Golden Knights included:
- Record: 16 wins, 9 losses, 4 overtime losses
- Goals-Against Average (GAA): 2.82
- Save Percentage: .891
Over 200 career appearances in the NHL, he compiled the following statistics:
- GAA: 2.77
- Save Percentage: .902
- Record: 118 wins, 48 losses, 25 overtime losses
Samsonov was selected 22nd overall in the 2015 NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals, highlighting his early promise as a goaltender.
Return to KHL with HC Sochi
Before his time in the NHL, Samsonov was a standout player in the KHL. He played five seasons with Metallurg Magnitogorsk where he achieved impressive stats:
- Record: 33 wins, 16 losses, 9 overtime losses
- GAA: 2.20
- Save Percentage: .929
HC Sochi has acquired the rights to Ilya Samsonov from Metallurg for a cash transaction, signaling their intention to leverage his talent in the upcoming seasons.
Conclusion
Ilya Samsonov’s move to HC Sochi marks a significant chapter in his career as he reunites with the KHL. His journey reflects resilience and potential as he aims to make a strong impact in the league once more.
