Caps’ Samsonov severely injured in four-wheeler accident!

We finally know why Washington Capitals goalie Ilya Samsonov couldn’t accompany the team in Toronto for the postseason. 

Russian journalist Alexei Shevchenko reported on Monday that Samsonov was severely injured this summer in an ATV accident in Magnitogorsk, Russia.

The 23-year-old was missing for the Caps’ training camp, but the team had only confirmed that he did not pass the medicals to take part in the NHL’s playoff tournament. 

According to Shevchenko, Samson “fell off a quadricycle (ATV) while riding in Magnitogorsk and injured his back and his neck… [his] injuries were serious.”

The team was reportedly upset with how the young goalie was injured, but has advised him to stay in Washington to recover and rehabilitate. 

Earlier this summer, Samsonov shared video of himself riding ATVs. 

The good news is that Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan said last week that he expects Samsonov to be available to start next season.

In 26 games during his rookie season in the NHL, Samsonov put up a .913 save percentage. His entry-level contract lasts through next campaign.