The Toronto Maple Leafs and restricted free agent Ilya Samsonov are $2.5 million apart in arbitration filings with the goalie's hearing set for Friday, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.
Samsonov apparently came in at $4.9 million, while the Maple Leafs filed at $2.4 million, but the sides can still come to an agreement prior to the arbitration hearing.
The 26-year-old signed a one-year, $1.8-million deal with Toronto as an unrestricted free agent last summer. He hit the open market after the Washington Capitals opted not to tender him a qualifying offer.
Samsonov enjoyed a career year with the Maple Leafs this past season while claiming the starting job, posting a .919 save percentage and 2.33 goals against average to go along with a 27-10-5 record.
He was also solid during Toronto's first-round matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning, posting a .900 save percentage in six outings to help the Leafs win their first playoff series since 2004.
Friedman said he doesn't think Toronto wanted to pursue a long-term pact with Samsonov during an appearance on NHL Network on Tuesday night.
Arbitration awards can be one or two years in length, but Samsonov would only be entitled to a one-year term since he is eligible for unrestricted free agency in 2024, according to CapFriendly.
In addition, if Samsonov's awarded salary surpasses the benchmark of $4,538,958, the Maple Leafs would be able to walk away, which would make the Russian an unrestricted free agent.
Toronto is currently $8.8 million over the cap, but that figure can drop to $3.2 million if defenseman Jake Muzzin goes on long-term injured reserve.
The Maple Leafs are reportedly looking to offload the oft-injured Matt Murray, who carries a cap hit just under $4.69 million for one more season.
