In a major blow to the Boston Bruins' chances of retaining their Stanley Cup title, arch-rivals the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed highly sought-after goaltender Ilya Samsonov to a lucrative contract on the first day of the NHL free agency period. The 25-year-old Russian netminder was a key contributor to the Washington Capitals' 2018 Stanley Cup win and has been one of the most coveted free agents on the market. With Samsonov now suiting up for the Maple Leafs, the Bruins will face an even stiffer challenge in their bid to repeat as champions. The signing is a significant coup for Toronto, which has been rebuilding its roster in an effort to finally break through and win its first Stanley Cup since 1967.

Bruins rival signs Stanley Cup champion goalie on Day 1 of free agency  MassLive