'I've Texted Him, I Know It's Tough': Ducks Defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin Checked in with Maple Leafs' Ilya Samsonov Amid Goaltender's Struggles
Although they've never been teammates, Lyubushkin and Samsonov struck a friendship while traveling together for work visas.
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Anaheim Ducks defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin has watched from a distance as Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov has struggled this season.
As any concerned friend would do, Lyubushkin reached out to Samsonov, but has also done his best to respect the space of his comrade as he goes through a difficult stage in his career.
"I've texted him," he said on Wednesday. "But I also don't want to put pressure on him."
Samsonov was placed on waivers on Sunday and subsequently sent down to the Toronto Marlies after allowing six goals on 21 shots in a 6-5 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets on Dec. 29.
Both players established a close friendship when both players traveled to Uzbekistan together to get their American visas as a result of sanctions put forth by the United States over Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Lyubushkin is aware of the pressure of playing in Toronto. He played 31 games for the club during the 2021-22 season where he scored two goals and added four assists. The 29-year-old also got his first taste of playoff experience and found some chemistry with Maple Leafs defensive mainstay Morgan Rielly.
"I remember the playoffs," Lyubushkin said. "The game was so different. More physicality. In the first 10 minutes, nobody touched the puck. Everyone just hit, hit, hit, it's crazy."
It's what made the player known as the 'Russian bear' a potential trade-deadline acquisition like he was with the Leafs in 2022. He went on to sign a two-year, $5.5 million deal with the Buffalo Sabres in the following summer.
When the NHL had their mandated holiday break, Samsonov made the drive down the Queen Elizabeth Parkway to spend the holidays at Lybushkin's house in Buffalo. So like any concerned friend, he's been there to listen if needed.
"I know it's tough," Lybushkin said of Samsonov. He will be ok."
The 26-year-old Samsonov is 5-2-6 this season while posting an .862 save percentage.
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