Leaf prospect continues to put up absurd numbers; could he become the next great NHL goalie?
It seems at least one of the Leafs goaltending prospects is following the example being set by Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov. Both Leafs goalies have been stellar this season and thankfully both are finally healthy. Over in Russia, the Leafs may have a draft day steal in Artur Akhtyamov. Akhtyamov is currently playing, or rather, dominating in the VHL, the Russian equivalent of the AHL. He was selected by the Leafs in the 4th round, 106th overall in the 2020 entry draft.
Through 22 games this season, Akhtyamov boasts a sparkling .941sv%. His play in November also mirrored that of the Leafs. The young Russian was a brick wall, posting a ridiculous .955sv% in 9 starts. The kid is HOT right now and showing no signs of slowing down. His sensational play earned him VHL goaltender of the month honours for the month of November.
Akhtyamov still has a ways to go before he is ready to make the NHL. Unfortunately, goaltenders, especially prospects, are never a guarantee. Akhtyamov is clearly ready for the next step. We will likely see him called up to the KHL at some point if he continues to post numbers and rack up wins the way he is. With better shooters at each level, he will be challenged. Until then, all he can do is keep stonewalling every poor soul in the VHL who are thinks they can solve him.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 3 | 197 ANSWERS Leaf prospect continues to put up absurd numbers; could he become the next great NHL goalie? Will Artur Akhtyamov be a superstar NHL goaltender one day? | ||
| Yes | 125 | 63.5 % |
| No | 72 | 36.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
