Report: Maple Leafs in running for former All-Star goaltender

While the Toronto Maple Leafs continue to navigate through their uncertain goaltending situation, one thing appears to be on the verge of being cemented - veteran Matt Murray, who was signed in a somewhat unusual decision from former GM Kyle Dubas, is as good as gone.

Additionally, Ilya Samsonov has filed for salary arbitration and will be looking for a raise from the $1.8 million that he made last season. And while Joseph Woll filled in admirably for Samsonov after the latter's injury in the 2023 postseason, Leafs management could decide that he's not ready for the full time backup position.

There are a handful of veteran goaltenders who are looking for a gig as a backup for the upcoming season, and they wouldn't be commanding major dollars. That's where Brian Elliott, who has spent the last two seasons as backup to Andrei Vasilevskiy with the Tampa Bay Lightning, could come in. 

According to beat writer Larry Brooks, the Leafs have been linked to Elliott: 

“Jaro Halak, Brian Elliott, Martin Jones and Thomas Greiss are out there seeking jobs as backups with Elliott perhaps on his way to Toronto,” he wrote in The New York Post.

Elliotte has played in 543 career NHL games with the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers and Lightning. He's racked up 279 career wins along with 167 regulation losses, 54 OT/SO losses, a goals against average of 2.57 and .909 save percentage along with 45 shutouts. 

He was also named to the 2012 NHL All-Star game during his time with the Blues. 

At age 38, a potential deal with the Leafs would likely only be for one season, and could also be his final NHL deal. 

Recommended articles:

• Philadelphia Flyers release health updates of Shayne Gostisbehere, Carter Hart
• Ilya Bryzgalov will earn more money than Hart and Elliott this season!
• Flyers’ Elliott shares moving post on young son while trapped in Toronto Bubble
• Oilers targeting one of two former Flames goalies in free agency?
• Flyers in the middle of yet another goalie trade?!

Recommended articles:

• Goaltender Ilya Sorokin signs monster deal worth $66 million.
• Red Wings add a new goalie on Day 1 of free agency.
• Jonathan Quick signs new deal with the New York Rangers.
• Report: Penguins want to poach Bruins goaltender!
• Devils trade goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood