Maple Leafs' Russian goaltending prospect Artur Akhtyamov heading to Toronto
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The Maple Leafs’ goaltending picture is about to have a little more detail.
Artur Akhtyamov, the team’s fourth-round pick in the 2020 National Hockey League draft, will be making his way to the club’s training facility in Etobicoke next week to begin preparing for the 2024-25 season, his agent Daniel Milstein confirmed to the Toronto Sun on Wednesday.
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Maple Leafs' Russian goaltending prospect Artur Akhtyamov heading to Toronto Back to video
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Akhtyamov, who turns 23 on Halloween, would be expected to have a role with the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League.
Last summer, Akhtyamov signed a three-year, two-way entry level contract with the Leafs, one that carries an average annual value of $851,667 US.
The arrival of Akhtyamov comes after a successful season for the native of Kazan, Russia.
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Akhtyamov split 2023-24 between Ak Bars Kazan of the KHL and Neftyanik Almetievsk of the VHL (Russia’s second league). In 17 games in the KHL, he posted a record of 6-7-0 and had a .921 save percentage.
In 19 games in the VHL, Akhtyamov went 10-5-4 with a .927 save percentage; in the VHL playoffs, he led Almetievsk to the championship with a 16-5-0 record and a .932 save percentage.
His season was capped when Akhtyamov was named the VHL goaltender of the year.
The arrival of Akhtyamov adds more goaltending depth, but won’t have an impact on Leafs general manager Brad Treliving’s wish to bring aboard at least one goaltender when free agency opens on July 1.
With Joseph Woll in line to sign a contract extension in the range of $3.5-4 million, Treliving will be looking to sign a veteran netminder.
Among the free-agent goalies speculatively linked to the Leafs include Laurent Brossoit, Anthony Stolarz, Cam Talbot and Kevin Lankinen.
Ahead of Akhtyamov on the Leafs depth chart is Dennis Hildeby, who could make his NHL debut at some point in 2024-25.
Hockey News Hub (@HockeyNewsHub) was the first to report on X on Wednesday that Akhtyamov would be continuing his career in the Leafs system next season.
X: @koshtorontosun
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