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Caps Sign RFA Ilya Samsonov to 1 Year, $2 Million Contract

After re-signing Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals had one major piece of business left: sign restricted free agent Ilya Samsonov. They finished that outstanding task on Monday, announcing that Samsonov has agreed to a 1-year, $2 million extension.

Samsonov, a former first round pick for the Caps, has had an inconsistent tenure with the team marred by several off-ice incidents and being on the NHL COVID protocol list twice.

The Caps young netminder hasn’t been any more consistent in net. In 2021, when he did play, Samsonov had a -5.6 Goals Saved Above Expected during the regular season. After seeming to acquit himself well in Game 3 against Boston, Samsonov had a brutal miscommunication that allowed for the game winning goal. Samsonov did not win any of his 3 playoff starts.

All this to say that Samsonov did not have much leverage to demand a high contract (unlike other young goalies.) With the move, the Capitals now have under $1 million in cap space, and barring a Kuznetsov trade, their remaining offseason moves may be minimal.

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