In a heartbreaking admission, Ilya Samsonov shares his current mental struggles with the Toronto Maple Leafs

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Joshua Deeds
October 27, 2023 (7:42 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs have been giving Joseph Woll a chance in net this season due to Illya Samsonov's struggles.

Having won two games in a row recently, the American-born goalie has won the trust of Sheldon Keefe. The Russian goaltender has some concerns due to the ascent of Woll in net since he was pulled during the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Joseph Woll's .934 save percentage is the 2nd best in Maple Leafs history through a player's first 15 career NHL games. (Ed Chadwick: .939 Save % from 1956 - 1957)

NHL players are open about mental health issues affecting them, and Samsonov is not an exception. Samsonov has lost the crease to Woll NHL recently due to Woll's strong play which has included 18 games played at 2.92 goals against average and .929 save percentage. As a result, Samsonov must perform well.

In light of Woll's ascendancy, Maple Leafs fans wonder if Samsonov will even be traded.

«If I'm saying I feel great, it's not true. I feel (like) shit (But) I'm a guy who will be fighting through this. I will be fighting every day.»

Samsonov will become a free agent this summer after being awarded a $3.55 million contract for 1 year. Woll's $766K cap hit makes him a vastly superior option at this point.

This summer could be one of Brad Treliving's most interesting yet.

With a .831 save percentage, Samsonov is currently 2-1-0 and working with Curtis Sanford to improve his game.

He could lose the crease for good, but this could be the motivation he needs to regain the trust of Sheldon Keefe as the Leafs take on the Nashville Predators.

As Seen On: hockeyfeed.com