If Samsonov plays a game with the Marlies, it'll be his in the AHL since Feb. 26, 2021 with the Hershey Bears.
Ilya Samsonov was on the ice Tuesday, but it wasn't with the Maple Leafs.
The 26-year-old netminder stepped foot onto the ice at Coca-Cola Coliseum on Tuesday for Marlies practice. It's his first-ever practice with the team after clearing waivers on Jan. 01.
"[We're] just going to take it a day at a time," Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe said of Samsonov on Tuesday morning.
"He's actually on the ice at Marlies practice right now with those guys, but it's just sort of a step for him because he's been just skating on his own and spending some time to himself. So, yeah, that's the plan."
Samsonov was placed on waivers on Dec. 31 after struggling in the NHL to begin the season. The 26-year-old has the second-worst save percentage in the entire league with a .862 through 15 games this year.
The 26-year-old, after clearing waivers, was assigned to the Marlies and has skated solely with Marlies goaltending coach Hannu Toivonen. But now, with him taking in a practice with AHL Toronto, is there a chance he sees a game with the Marlies?
"Tre's gonna make those decisions," Keefe added on Tuesday morning. "He's leading the charge on [Samsonov's] path and his plan. I know that today was a progression for him, and beyond that, I'm not quite sure what the plan is."
The Maple Leafs take on the San Jose Sharks inside Scotiabank Arena on Tuesday. Martin Jones will make his fifth straight start for the team and Dennis Hildeby, who took to the ice for an optional morning skate, will be the backup for Toronto.
Keith Petruzzelli and Luke Cavallin shared the net this past weekend with the Marlies in a back-to-back against the Syracuse Crunch.
Related
Nick Robertson May Return to Maple Leafs Lineup Against Sharks as Flu Bug Re-Emerges in Locker Room
VIDEO: Maple Leafs' Joseph Woll Back on the Ice After Sustaining High-Ankle Sprain in December
Maple Leafs Look to Sweep Season Series Against Sharks, Lineups and Where to Watch
News from THN.com
Ducks Acquire Cutter Gauthier from Flyers for Jamie Drysdale and Second-Round Pick
THN Archive: Red Wings' Datsyuk Earned Respect of Peers in 2012 NHL Player Poll
25th Anniversary Top 100 People of Power & Influence in Hockey: Nos. 40 to 21