Leafs Ilya Samsonov Makes A Startling Equipment Change At The Last Minute

The Toronto Maple Leafs have seen some great performances this season, and others not so much, and in recent times, it appears the team is trending towards Joseph Woll as their full-time starter in net.

A goaltender battle

However, Ilya Samsonov is clearly not giving up the role without a fight, as he showed last season he can be as good as any in the NHL, and now, the battle is going to get hot.


Now, after struggling to start the 2023-24 season with an .831 save percentage and a 4.34 GAA, he's looking to make some changes, and it's led to this interesting move.

Superstitious creatures

It's well known that athletes are very superstitious, with goaltenders being among the most superstitious, and now, after struggling to start this season, Samsonov is going back to his mask from a season ago in hopes of inspiring change and improvement.



Only time will tell whether or not this will actually make a difference, but if it gives Samsonov comfort and confidence in net, then it's worth a try, so we will see if the flashes of 2022-23 Samsonov are still in there, or whether Woll continues his hot streak and takes over the top spot permanently.

As Read on Maple Leafs Insider - Leafs goaltender Ilya Samsonov makes surprising equipment change ahead of tomorrow's start