Samsonov's salary ask from Leafs in arbitration revealed
The now 26-year-old was given a qualifying offer by the Leafs this summer and has expressed an interest in signing a new deal in Toronto. Samsonov feels like he's finally found a good fit and enjoys life in Toronto and doesn't appear to be phased by the sometimes volatile market.
Samsonov elected to file for salary arbitration this week, which was (presumably) to help the Leafs open up a 2nd buyout window. As it turns out, the arbitration filing may actually be a legitimate one, with the team and player perhaps further apart than any of us would have hoped.
Today on Sportsnet 590's The FAN's The Morning Show, hosts Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert revealed what Samsonov's ask in his arbitration case was. Samsonov is reportedly seeking an AAV between $4M and $5M. His qualifying offer comes in at a little over $2M. No word yet on what the Leafs might be offering in the arb case.
Huh? The $4M-$5M is what Samsonov is seeking in a long term deal that would buy out a number of his free agent years. That may or may not be what he would be asking for in a 1 year arbitration award for his last RFA year.