Evgeny Kuznetzov Makes Comments on the Toronto Media's Treatment of His Friend Ilya Samsonov

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TJ Tucker
March 17, 2024  (9:20)

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Photo credit: tsn_official on Instagram

Evgeny Kuznetsov, now a member of the Carolina Hurricanes after spending years with the Washington Capitals, has never been one to remain quiet when something is on his mind. And, it seems something was ahead of the Canes' game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Maple Leafs Media Gets Called Out by Canes' Kusnetzov

Before his first game against Toronto as a member of Carolina, Kuznetzov was asked about Maple Leaf goaltender Ilya Samsonov, and his ups and downs this season. Kuznetsov served as a mentor to Samsonov as the netminder was the heir apparent to the number one positions with the Caps. The two had know each other for years as both are from Russia, and they are very close friends. Kuznetsov said reporters and analysts in Toronto need to chill out when it comes to the way Samsonov, and all players are treated.

"You guys been so hard on players, in general, here over time. I'm so happy that he doesn't speak English well so he doesn't understand everything & that's huge for him."

I'm staying believe his best games are ahead of him."

Samsonov The Topic of Conversation for Opposing Team's Player Ahead of Game

Samsonov was drafted by the Capitals to be an eventual replacement for Braden Holtby, who had held the number one spot between the pipes for several years. However, after two very good seasons with Washington after coming over from the KHL, Samsonov started to slide and was eventually not tendered a qualifying offer by the team as a restricted free agent, which gave him the ability to sign elsewhere. He signed on with Toronto for the 2022-23, and has been there since. Despite not having great statistics this season (a .889 save percentage and a 3.06 goals against average) Samsonov has a record of 18-5-6 in 31 games. He went through an awful stretch earlier this season, giving up 22 goals in a four game span. GM Brad Treliving put him on waivers Dec. 31, 2023, but there were no takers. He was sent to the Toronto Marlies, although he did not play for the team before being called back up to the NHL.

Kuznetzov knows what it's like to be in the media spotlight, having a rough couple of years with the Capitals before being traded to Carolina a week ago. The light wouldn't be nearly as bright in Washington as it is in Toronto.

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Previously

Patrick Roy Makes Defeated Comments After the Islanders' Loss to the Senators

David Savard Accidentally Leaks Why Head Coach Martin St. Louis Left the Team

Panthers Defenseman Given Match Penalty for Ruthless Check to the Head

POLL
MARS 17   |   81 ANSWERS Evgeny Kuznetzov Makes Comments on the Toronto Media's Treatment of His Friend Ilya Samsonov Will Samsonov be the go-to goalie for the Leafs in the playoffs?
Yes	32	39.5 %
No	29	35.8 %
Not sure	20	24.7 %
LIST OF POLLS

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