Shocking news in Washington: Hughes and the CH can acquire Ilya Samsonov for free

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Jeff Drouin
July 11, 2022 (5:35 PM)

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We just learned that goaltender Ilya Samsonov did not receive a qualifying offer from the Washington Capitals: he will become a free agent on Wednesday and he will be free as a bird.

Wow!

This is a real coup for the Caps, especially since, when Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens inquired this winter about acquiring Samsonov via trade, Washington was very demanding and asked a lot of money from the Tricolore.

Today, they simply release him and they will receive nothing in exchange. As of Wednesday, Hughes and Jeff Gorton will have the opportunity to sign Samsonov and acquire him "for free".

The 25-year-old Ilya Samsonov is a former first-round pick (22nd overall) in 2015. In 2021-22, he compiled a 23-12-5 record with a 3.02 goals-against average and .896 save percentage in 44 games.

In the playoffs: 5 games, 1-1-2 record, 2.97 GAA and .912 SVR.

If we continue to draw parallels between the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens rebuilds, do you think Samsonov can be the Habs' "Igor Shesterkin"? Would you like Kent Hughes to sign him?

One thing is for sure, this announcement has changed the plans of many general managers, and many of them will certainly want him as their future goaltender.

More details to follow!