As it stands, the Toronto Maple Leafs have decided to enter the 2021-2022 NHL season with a couple of reclamation projects in net. It’s understandable that much of the fanbase would be upset about this, as goaltending is easily the sport’s most important position and can largely be blamed for many of Toronto’s failures over the past few seasons.
That said, the two goalies that will be battling for the job of Maple Leafs starters going into the season are ones with high upside and a proven track record of success before their recent struggles. Matt Murray had the unique distinction of winning two Stanley Cups as a rookie, stealing the net from Marc-André Fleury during the 2016 playoffs with only 13 NHL games under his belt, allowing him to remain a rookie for next season when the Penguins went back-to-back.
Meanwhile, Ilya Samsonov comes to Toronto after failing to meet expectations in Washington. The former first round put up stunning numbers in three KHL seasons after being selected by the Capitals in the first round, followed by a great rookie season in 2019-2020. Since then however, Samsonov has struggled to replicate those numbers and ultimately Washington let him explore free agency despite a strong performance in the 2022 playoffs.
The Maple Leafs are putting a lot of fa …

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Author: Filipe Dimas / The Leafs Nation