G Ilya Samsonov (2015, 22nd, WSH)

[Vasilevskiy]

Who will be the better goalie? Samsonov or Vasilevsky?

Both look great but I believe Vasilevskiy as soon as gets more experience and improves little things will be a top 5 goalie, with a lot of season as a top 3 goalie (or better). Will Samsonov that good? Difficult, but everything is possible.

 

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[TheFountainhead]

Just a tremendous talent.

 

[MMC]

He's awesome. Definitely a first level talent, I'm just surprised that the Capitals were the one to take him.

 

[Holtbyisms]

He's awesome. Definitely a first level talent, I'm just surprised that the Capitals were the one to take him.

Washington has been a goaltender factory since before Korn was even here. Ross Mahoney (assistant GM and former head of scouting) has a ridiculous eye for goaltending talent. At one time we have Varlamov, Neuvirth and Holtby. Now we have Holtby, Samsonov and Vanacek. Never a bad idea to have a ton of goaltending options.

 

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[MMC]

Washington has been a goaltender factory since before Korn was even here. Ross Mahoney (assistant GM and former head of scouting) has a ridiculous eye for goaltending talent. At one time we have Varlamov, Neuvirth and Holtby. Now we have Holtby, Samsonov and Vanacek. Never a bad idea to have a ton of goaltending options.

That's true but I feel like they also need to hurry up and win a cup ASAP. I would've thought they'd pick a player that could come in and help in 1-2 seasons vs a goalie that takes longer to develop.

 

[KingTux]

He's awesome. Definitely a first level talent, I'm just surprised that the Capitals were the one to take him.

Same. I though for sure Ottawa would draft him.

 

[Murzu]

Looks awesome. Young Varlamov. I found it strange that Caps drafted him, but he seems to be a gem.

 

[Alexander the Gr8]

That's true but I feel like they also need to hurry up and win a cup ASAP. I would've thought they'd pick a player that could come in and help in 1-2 seasons vs a goalie that takes longer to develop.

It's hard to pick an immediate impact player late in the 1st round. We picked Vrana the year before and he just got ready to play in the NHL. He's still most of his time in the AHL. You'd have to be insanely lucky to draft a guy late in the 1st round that can become a top 6 forward or top 4 D in just 2 years.

Given that we already have Holtby as our franchise goalie, we may use either Holtby or Samsonov as a trade chip based on who's the better goalie by the time Holtby's contract expires.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

Looks awesome. Young Varlamov. I found it strange that Caps drafted him, but he seems to be a gem.

That's the best comparison I've found for Samsonov considering his quickness and lateral movement. Samsonov just has significantly worse puck playing ability.

 

[Caser]

Got his second shutout win of this KHL season: stopped 31 shots and 2 SO attempts.

 

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[MMC]

How far is he from being NHL ready?

 

[wings5]

How far is he from being NHL ready?

2-3 years maybe, if things go well.

 

[Fantomas]

How far is he from being NHL ready?

He's NHL-ready now, but not necessarily ready to start.

 

[Mathletic]

How far is he from being NHL ready?

still under contract for 1 more season, I believe, in Russia. So, not before that. I would guess, 1 year in Russia, 1 year in the AHL with some games in the NHL, 1 year backing up Holtby and possibly some games in the AHL and then Holtby's contract is up and they Caps have a decision to make.

 

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2 games in a row with at least 40 saves.

 

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[MMC]

Seems like his stats have taken a hit this year.

 

[MMC]

 

[Section32]

I just don’t get to watch the young Russian goalies in the KHL. Including the Isle’s and Ranger’s picks, is there a clear dividing line between the 4 kids?