The Toronto Maple Leafs were this close to pursuing a path that no longer included Ilya Samsonov earlier this month.

This was after they put Samsonov on waivers on the final day of 2023, which allowed any team to grab Samsonov if wanted to. None bit. Two weeks later, the Leafs faced another possible breaking point with their embattled former No. 1 goalie: They could give him his first start of any kind since the Columbus Blue Jackets shelled him for six goals on Dec. 29, or they could try their 22-year-old top goalie prospect Dennis Hildeby instead.

That they even contemplated this tells you how tenuous Samsonov’s position in the organization had become. It wasn’t just fans and media. The Leafs seriously considered starting Hildeby, a young guy who had barely played in the AHL, over Samsonov against the Detroit Red Wings on Jan. 14.

. . .

It wasn’t until after the Leafs lost to the Colorado Avalanche that the decision was even made for certain. That was when Samsonov heard by text message from Sanford that he was getting another chance.

He played OK that night in a loss. Since then? Three starts, three wins, three goals against.

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