Dave Gunnarsson is known for his eclectic airbrush artwork on goalie helmets. His past clients include Braden Holtby, Philipp Grubauer, and Phoenix Copley.
Gunnarsson can now add Capitals goalie prospect Ilya Samsonov to his list of goaltenders whose helmets are decorated with his work.
Gunnarsson showed off Samosonov’s new mask on his Instagram last Friday.
Samsonov’s lid includes a rendering of the Capitol building’s dome and a head shot of the Capitals weagle symbol. The Caps prospect posed with his agent, Hockey Hall of Famer Igor Larionov.
The talented goaltender also wore the new bucket at the NHLPA’s 10th annual Rookie Showcase in Toronto. He was one of 25 players invited.
That's a wrap on the 10th annual #NHLPARookieShowcase! Thanks and best of luck to the 25 NHL rookies and prospects who attended! pic.twitter.com/bxquFkzCiJ
— NHLPA (@NHLPA) August 26, 2018
The main purpose of the showcase was for hockey card company Upper Deck to use photos and video from the event to create the players’ first rookie cards.
Ilya Samsonov and Vitaly Abramov smiling for the camera! #NHLPARookieShowcase pic.twitter.com/ulhdOKC6PK
— Upper Deck Hockey (@UpperDeckHockey) August 26, 2018
We also got a quick look at Samsonov’s new red, white, and blue pads courtesy of CCM.
Hey #Washington #Capitals fans, here’s your first look at top goaltending prospect Ilya Samsonov in the red, white, and blue at the #NHLPARookieShowcase. #ALLCAPS. pic.twitter.com/Bg67sAK8Hq
— TPEHockey (@TPEHOCKEY) August 26, 2018
Some of the best young prospects at Mastercard Centre for this year's #NHLPARookieShowcase, including the #Leafs Timothy Liljegren (bottom right). pic.twitter.com/7T227TcQZS
— Michael Augello (@MikeInBuffalo) August 26, 2018
Make sure you are following @UpperDeckHockey this weekend for live updates from the 2018 #NHLPARookieShowcase! Meet the next generation of #YoungGuns! pic.twitter.com/EljoADeTN9
— Upper Deck (@UpperDeckSports) August 26, 2018
Update
The NHL’s Twitter account posted a photo featuring more angles of Samsonov’s new mask on August 31.
Before top goalie prospect Ilya Samsonov made the trip across the pond to North America, he needed a new mask.
Needless to say, @daveartofficial outdid himself with this lovely bucket for the young @Capitals tendy. pic.twitter.com/UusczsMSr9
— NHL (@NHL) August 31, 2018
Dave Gunnarsson also posted the new mask on his Instagram, and explained Samsonov wanted to pay tribute to the nation’s capital with the Caps old logo and new logo.
Headline image: @daveart
