Ilya Samsonov experienced a tumultuous end to 2023, being placed on NHL waivers and facing doubts about his future with the Maple Leafs. However, through a remarkable turnaround both personally and professionally, he has reclaimed the No. 1 goaltender position and is now being considered for the Bill Masterton Trophy for his sportsmanship, perseverance, and dedication to hockey.
Aleksei, Samsonov’s father, also left an influence.
“He never stops moving forward, even in the face of adversity. “It’s easy to sit and cry or to have your head down,” he says. But you’re no longer a young man; you have a family of your own.”
A Masterton nominee is nominated by each of the 32 NHL towns. The award was first given out in 1968 in memory of the devoted Minnesota North Star Bill Masterton, who passed away after suffering an unintentional head injury during a game.
Prior Leaf nominees include 2008 Masterton winner Jason Blake, Mark Giordano, and Morgan Rielly. During the NHL’s 2024 awards event, the entire PHWA casts a vote to choose the winner.
