The Capitals have signed Russian goaltending prospect Ilya Samsonov to a three-year, entry-level contract that will begin next season, according to a report by Cap Friendly.
Speculation had been that Samsonov would not re-sign with his KHL club, Metallurg Magnitogorsk, and instead sign with the Capitals after April 30. Though the Capitals have yet to officially confirm the deal, Cap Friendly reports it is worth up to $1.425 to $1.525 million per year including signing and performance bonuses.
#Capitals have signed the 22nd overall pick in 2015, goalie Ilya Samsonov to a 3 year ELC beginning in 2018-19 at the EL Max + PB's.
2018-19: $832,500 Base + 92,500 SB + $500,000 PB
2019-20: $832,500 Base + 92,500 SB + $550,000 PB
2020-21: $832,500 Base + 92,500 SB + $600,000 PB pic.twitter.com/3tQL9rTde4— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) May 4, 2018
Samsonov was the Capitals’ first round pick in the 2015 draft, and has played well in the KHL, posting a .926 save percentage in 26 games in 2017-2018 and a .936 save percentage in 27 games in 2016-2017.
Injuries have been an issue for Samsonov. He had surgery to repair a hernia in the summer of 2017, and reportedly suffered a concussion in November of 2017 after taking a knee to his face.
Update 05/04: The Capitals have officially confirmed the signing of Ilya Samsonov to a three year, entry-level contract. Per the original reports, the contract will begin in the 2018-19 season, and carry an average annual value of $925,000.
The Washington Capitals have signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a three-year entry-level contract beginning in the 2018-19 season. Samsonov's contract will carry an average annual value of $925,000. #ALLCAPS https://t.co/iU5BwKBV1h
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) May 4, 2018
Headline photo: Mike Ehrmann
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