Ilya Samsonov, the former first‑round NHL draft pick who spent the 2024 season with HK Sochi in the Kontinental Hockey League, has officially signed a one‑year, two‑way contract with the San Jose Sharks, a move that marks a distinct shift from his recent KHL experience.
Although his .903 save percentage in the KHL was impressive, Samsonov’s résumé includes 201 NHL games with the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights, and he has served as the primary goaltender for Washington and Toronto from 2021 through 2024.
A Potential Third‑String Option
The Sharks enter training camp on September 17 with a crowded crease, featuring Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic on the roster and Eric Comrie and Kyle Keyser competing for minutes with the AHL Barracuda. A scout familiar with Samsonov’s game suggested he could emerge as the team’s No. 3 netminder, a role that would likely translate into backup duties behind Comrie or a safety net in case of injury.
Comrie’s two‑year, one‑way deal carrying a $1.15 million average annual value underscores the financial commitment the Sharks have made to a proven NHL backup, leaving Samsonov to vie for a spot that could see limited ice time but offers a pathway back to the NHL.
With the Sharks’ season still months away, the competition for the third‑string position will be closely watched, as the coaching staff evaluates how Samsonov’s experience and KHL pedigree mesh with the organization’s depth strategy.