Leaf goaltending prospect called up to the big leagues overseas, shining in the KHL
Artur Akhtyamov was a fourth round pick by the Leafs in the 2020 draft and has spent the past three seasons continuing to develop in the VHL - the KHL's equivalent of the AHL. Last season, Akhtyamov was loaned to Neftyanik due to a surplus of goaltenders in his KHL team's (Kazan) depth chart. In 39 games with Neftyanik last season, Akhtyamov went 20-12-6 with six shutouts, while posting a 1.67 GAA and .943 save percentage. His play last season earned him an entry-level deal with the Leafs, but he was loaned back to Kazan for this season due to the depth the Leafs have in North America.
Once again this season, Akhtyamov was loaned to the VHL's Neftyanik and played 3 games for them before being recalled to his KHL team, Kazan, where he has played in four games. In those four games, he started three, and has gone 1-2-0 but has posted outstanding numbers with a 2.00 GAA and .933 save percentage against much tougher competition than he's used to seeing in the VHL.
Akhtyamov is expected to remain overseas for the entire season this year, but could very well find himself in North America to begin next season, depending how the Leafs' goaltending situation shakes out. In December of last year, Dobber Prospects believed Akhtyamov should be considered the Leafs' best goaltending prospect ahead of even Joseph Woll. Will he eventually become an NHL starting goalie? That remains to be seen, but he's certainly off to a pretty promising start overseas again this year and another big year might mean a bigger opportunity next season.
| POLL | ||
2 OCTOBRE | 206 ANSWERS Leaf goaltending prospect called up to the big leagues overseas, shining in the KHL Will Leafs G prospect Artur Akhtyamov ever be an NHL starter? | ||
| Yes | 92 | 44.7 % |
| No | 48 | 23.3 % |
| Who? | 66 | 32 % |
| List of polls | ||
