Ilya Samsonov Scouting Reports

Samsonov is, arguably, one of the most polarizing goalies heading into playoffs.
He will have to be the best version of himself versus the Boston Bruins and, at least, equal the performance of his counter part in the Bruins net.
Athletic goalie who is, by far, at his best when he allows the play to develop in front of him and doesn't over react to what's happening around him.
When he's on he's plenty athletic enough to make desperation saves. Above average quickness in all categories. Focus and preparation can range.
Last ten game segment before playoffs resulted in 6-2-0-2 record - paired with a 3.21 GAA and .896 save percentage.

Has turned a corner in his last two starts vs Vancouver (Nov 11th) and Detroit (Nov. 17th)
Better crease composure. Less unnecessary movement outside his posts. Allowing the game to come to him and read/reacting much better.
Won both starts - allowed only two goals in each - posted .939 and .931 save % respectively
Monitor if he can string together consistent starts in extended segments (minimum 5 games

The Leafs will need him to return to the form he had last season, or they will be staring at a platoon goaltending scenario for the entirety of the 23/24 season.
His first seven starts have been wildly inconsistent. His GAA is 4.11 and his save % sits at .855
Both categories are not close to #1 goalie range, and they are trending towards (at best) back up status.
When he's been on, he's played to his identity. A butterfly/athletic goalie who can be quick moving laterally and snag pucks with a solid glove hand.
When he's been off , he's tracked the play either outside his posts or not all the way across. It's a mixed bag.
His scenario is interesting. Is he the goalie who posted 2.33 GAA and .919 % - like last year
Or is he closer to his current form.
Historically he has bounced back and forth from reliable to unpredictable ... from year to year

Won the net for the Leafs in (22/23) Posted his best GAA - 2.33 - and save % .919 of his career
Butterfly/Athletic goalie - Good size - At times too active in his crease
When he plays with composure and tracks the play without getting over active - outside the paint and his posts - he is at his best
Competes - lateral push is plenty quick - decent gloves - average playing the puck - has the ability to scramble to make second stops - still a young goalie by NHL standards - challenge will be to string together consistent results in back to back years - a #1B - trending #1A -

His stats do not tell the entire story for the season. His GAA is the highest it has been but his Save % is similar. The team is giving up more quality chances against they have in recent seasons and has to be considered in the equation. An active goalie who relies on quickness and athleticism. At times his crease composure is too hectic and he finds himself desperately searching for his net to make second saves.
Good feet. Decent gloves. Average playing the puck. More consistency required moving fwd