Goalie Ilya Samsonov returns to NHL on one-year deal with Sharks

September 08, 2026 - 4:25pm

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Ilya Samsonov (35) makes a save during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning, Sunday, March 23, 2025, in Las Vegas. (Ian Maule/AP)

Ilya Samsonov could be returning to an NHL crease.

The goalie signed a one-year, two-way deal with the San Jose Sharks, the team announced on Tuesday.

Russia's Samsonov, 29, spent last season in the KHL, appearing in 14 games with HK Sochi and recording a 3.27 goals-against average, .903 save percentage to go with one shutout.

Samsonov previously spent six seasons in the NHL with the Washington Capitals, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vegas Golden Knights.

Over 200 career NHL games, he has 118 wins, a .902 save percentage and a 2.77 GAA.

He'll compete with Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic for a spot on the Sharks' NHL roster to begin the season.

Goalie Ilya Samsonov returns to NHL on one-year deal with Sharks

NHL NEWS

'That’s a lot of money': McDavid talks soaring NHL salaries

Who is in the running to go No. 1 at 2027 NHL Draft?

Best, worst scenarios for every Atlantic Division team

'Really hard decision': Tkachuk talks exit from Ottawa

Crosby negotiating new contract, won’t rule out 2030 Olympics

More Headlines

Batherson talks contract, Marchand chirp

Bruins sign Minten to $50.4M extension

Ilya Samsonov returns to NHL with Sharks

Hurricanes sign PO Joseph to one-year deal

Tigers GM out of Red Wings consideration

NHL not considering Atlanta expansion yet