Ilya Samsonov

Ilya Alexeyevich Samsonov (Илья Алексеевич Самсонов; born 22 February 1997) is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender. He currently plays with the Hershey Bears in the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract as a prospect to the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Playing career
Samsonov made his Kontinental Hockey League debut playing in relief with Metallurg Magnitogorsk during the 2014–15 KHL season on 11 December 2014, against Sibir Novosibirsk. After a successful junior season with Metallurg's Junior club, Stalnye Lisy, Samsonov was ranked as the top European Goalie in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, and was the first goaltender drafted, being taken 22nd overall by the Washington Capitals.

Following the 2017–18 season, his fourth season in the KHL with Metallurg, Samsonov embarked on his NHL ambition in signing a three-year, entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals on May 4, 2018. Samsonov was called up from the AHL Hershey Bears as insurance following Braden Holtby's upper body injury. He suited up as back-up goalie to Pheonix Copley for the November 16, 2018 game against the Colorado Avalanche.