The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled struggling goaltender Ilya Samsonov from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, the NHL team announced Wednesday.
Goalie Dennis Hildeby has been loaned to the Marlies.
Samsonov was waived by the Leafs on Dec. 31 after struggling to a 3.94 goals-against average and .862 save percentage in 15 games.
The Russian did not play for the Marlies during his time away from the Leafs, with the team opting to have him skate and work out away from the team.
The Leafs called it a “physical and mental reset” for Samsonov, who originally signed with Toronto before last season.
Samsonov’s last game with the Leafs was an ugly 6-5 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in which he faced just 21 shots. He has given up four or more goals in each of his past four starts.
Hildeby also didn’t see action with the Leafs after getting called up to replace Samsonov.
With Joseph Woll nursing an ankle injury, veteran goalie Martin Jones has stepped up in a huge way for the Leafs. He has started the last five games, notching four wins.
Jones, who turned 34 Wednesday, is 8-3 with a 1.98 goals-against average and .934 save percentage this season.
The Leafs are in New York to face the Islanders on Thursday before playing back-to-back home games on Saturday and Sunday against the Colorado Avalanche and Detroit Red Wings.
At some point during that stretch, the Leafs likely will give Jones a rest.
