Sharks add former first-round pick goaltender in intriguing offseason move

The San Jose Sharks made a low-risk addition to their goaltending pipeline on Tuesday, signing veteran netminder Ilya Samsonov to a one-year, two-way contract.

It's a low financial risk move that gives the organization another experienced option to lean on as training camp approaches.

The move brings the 29-year-old back to North America after he spent this past season overseas with HK Sochi in the KHL, where he went 3-8-0 with a 3.27 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage across 14 appearances.

Samsonov isn't a stranger to the NHL spotlight.

Washington selected him 22nd overall in the 2015 draft, and he went on to backstop the Capitals to a playoff run before later joining the Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights.

His last full NHL season came with Vegas in 2024-25, when he posted a 16-9-4 record with a 2.82 goals-against average and a .891 save percentage.

San Jose already has a crowded crease with Yaroslav Askarov viewed as the long-term starter, plus Eric Comrie and Alex Nedeljkovic rounding out the group.

Samsonov's two-way deal likely slots him into the AHL to start the year with San Jose's Barracuda affiliate, giving the organization another veteran arm in case of injuries or inconsistent play up top.

At 29, Samsonov still has plenty left to offer if he can find his form again.

A strong showing in the minors could earn him a quick call-up.

San Jose finished well outside the playoff picture last season and will be counting on better performances in net as they retool the roster this fall.

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