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Washington Capitals 2017 prospect report: Ilya Samsonov

By Dave Stevenson

Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Ilya Samsonov puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number twenty-two overall pick to the Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2015; Sunrise, FL, USA; Ilya Samsonov puts on a team jersey after being selected as the number twenty-two overall pick to the Washington Capitals in the first round of the 2015 NHL Draft at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Capitals’ 2015 first round pick Ilya Samsonov is developing as expected, showing the potential of being an elite goaltender. 

The Washington Capitals took a little bit of heat in the 2015 NHL Draft when they selected goalie prospect Ilya Samsonov in the first round. There were some quality forward prospects available, but draft guru Ross Mahoney stuck to his tradition of drafting the best player available. So far, Samsonov has being making the Caps look smart.

He has been in the KHL for the past two seasons, playing for Metallurg Magnitogorsk. Samsonov only has 46 combined regular season starts over the past two seasons. However, whenever he’s been on the ice, he’s been outstanding, to say the least. Franchise goalies are extremely valuable and Samsonov seems to be developing into one.

2017 Review

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Looking strictly as goals against average, he didn’t have as great of a season in 2016-17 as he did in 2015-16. Samsonov’s GAA rose from 2.04 to 2.13. However, he also didn’t have as good of a team in front of him this season, as evidenced from his .936 save percentage. By comparison, Samsonov had a .925 save percentage in 2015-16.

His biggest asset is by far his athleticism. Samsonov’s quickness and explosiveness allow him to make the most difficult of saves look routine. But what’s most impressive about him is he’s a quick learner. When he got drafted, Samsonov had some issues with guarding his five-hole. He has since made huge improvements in this area.

Right now, his biggest weakness is likely his lack of experience. Samsonov hasn’t been a starter in the KHL and that’s something the Capitals should look into. They need to have a chat with the South Carolina Stingrays and see if he can be guaranteed playing time in the ECHL. Not only would Samsonov get more playing time, the Capitals would be able to have much more control over his development.

Future Outlook

The Washington Capitals have to be pleased with him. He’s given them no reason to be disappointed. Samsonov has been doing extremely well against the highest level of competition in the world that isn’t the NHL. Personally, I’m impressed with how much he’s improved. His positioning now is light years better than it was in 2015. Samsonov still has to work on it, but it’s hard not to be optimistic about it improving considering the strides he’s already made.

ETA

His estimated time of arrival in the NHL is very hard to predict. There are factors in play that Samsonov can’t control. The largest of them is Braden Holtby has a stranglehold on the position as a franchise goalie. So the Washington Capitals have the luxury of letting him marinate and getting him consistent playing time over the next few years.

Next: End of an Era?

There’s no rush to get him to the NHL, but of course, this could literally change in a matter of moments. An injury to Holtby could speed up the timetable (at least temporarily). 2021 seems like a reasonable expectation for him to emerge as a full-time member of the roster. Samsonov will be 24 at that point and hopefully have a lot of experience under his belt. The more he has, the better.

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