Caps sign 2015 1st-rounder Ilya Samsonov to entry-level deal

The Washington Capitals have signed goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Friday.

Samsonov was drafted 22nd overall by the Caps in 2015, and has spent the last three seasons with Magnitogorsk Metallurg in the KHL. He's eligible to join Washington next season, which could create an interesting scenario in goal for the Metropolitan Division champs, as current backup Philipp Grubauer is scheduled to become a restricted free agent at season's end.

Samsonov posted a .926 save percentage in 26 games this season. The 21-year-old has represented Russia twice at the world juniors, capturing a silver medal in 2016 and a bronze in 2017, as well as earning All-Star honors for the tournament.

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