Russian journalist Alexei Shevchenko reported on Monday that Capitals goalie Ilya Samsonov‘s reported injury this summer was the result of an ATV accident in Magnitogorsk, Russia.

Samsonov, 23, had been absent from training camp. The team announced on July 25 that Samsonov would not join the team in the bubble.

“According to my information,” Shevchenko says on his YouTube channel, as translated by RMNB’s Igor Kleyner, “Ilya fell off a quadricycle (ATV) while riding in Magnitogorsk and injured his back and his neck… [his] injuries were serious.”

Shevchenko goes on to speculate about possible damage to Samsonov’s relationship with the team because of how the injury occurred. Shevchenko’s report has been shared widely in Russian sports news. Shevchenko had previously hosted Caps defender Dmitry Orlov on his channel.

The team is unable to discuss the injury due to return-to-play rules on disclosure, but we do know Samsonov failed his physical upon returning to Washington earlier this summer. He has remained in DC undergoing rehabilitation.

Earlier this summer, Samsonov shared video of himself riding ATVs.

Last week, Caps GM Brian MacLellan said he expects Samsonov to be available to start next season.

Samsonov played 26 games in his rookie season, putting up a .913 all-situation save percentage. His entry-level contract lasts through next season.

Headline photo: Elizabeth Kong