NHL analyst Jackson Scherger has made a bold statement, urging Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman to sign free agent goalie Ilya Samsonov to a PTO. With the preseason underway and opening night quickly approaching, <a href='https://www.hockeylatest.com/nhl-team/edmonton-oilers/edmonton-oilers-face-tough-roster-decision-these-veterans-could-be-pushed-out-by-hungry-young-stars' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>rosters across the league are beginning to really take shape</a>. Teams still have the opportunity to bring in unsigned players for a shot at cracking the lineup. For the Edmonton Oilers, one intriguing PTO option could be veteran goaltender Ilya Samsonov, as <a href='https://thehockeywriters.com/edmonton-oilers-should-sign-ilya-samsonov-to-a-pto/' class='lien_marqueur' target='_blank' rel='noopener'>urged by NHL analyst Jackson Scherger.</a> The Edmonton Oilers should consider something along the lines of that within the next week or so in the form of Ilya Samsonov. - Jackson Scherger <div align='center' class='pl20 pr20'><blockquote class='twitter-tweet' data-lang='en'><a href='https://twitter.com/TheHockeyWriter/status/1971208069603357094'><div style='border:1px solid #CCCCCC;border-radius:10px;padding:20px;width:300px;'>Loading from Twitter ...</div></a></blockquote></div> At just 28 years old, Samsonov has already experienced highs and lows in the NHL. While he has faced both on-ice struggles and personal challenges, there's still time for him to rediscover his game, seeing as how young he still is. The Oilers, entering a pivotal 2025-26 campaign, might benefit from giving him a chance, especially with all of the inconsistencies they've dealt with in their net. <h3>Ilya Samsonov Had Top-Tier Numbers Only a Few Seasons Ago</h3> Samsonov's best stretch came in 2022-23 with the Toronto Maple Leafs. In 42 games, he posted an impressive .919 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average, solidifying himself as Toronto's top goalie. However, inconsistency soon followed. His next two seasons in Toronto and subsequently in Vegas were difficult, with his numbers dipping well below the league average. He even stepped away from the Leafs in early 2024 due to some mental and physical struggles. Still, Edmonton could be the right environment for him to rebound. The Oilers have a track record of helping players reset their careers, as fans have seen with Zack Kassian, Evander Kane, and even Corey Perry. Strong locker room culture and organizational support could provide Samsonov with the stability he needs. The team also recently brought in a new goalie coach, Peter Aubry, who can offer a fresh learning opportunity for Samsonov. For a franchise that continues searching for consistent goaltending, Samsonov represents a low-risk, high-reward option. Edmonton might just be the perfect place for him to reignite his career, which in turn can lead the team to a Stanley Cup.