Leafs goaltending prospect finishes his season with the league's best numbers; all signs point to a very bright future for the 21-year-old

Artur Akhtyamov was a 2020 fourth round pick by the Leafs and was touted as a "long-term project". This season in the VHL, however, Akhtyamov took a massive step forward in his development playing for Neftyanik Almetievsk.

In 39 games, Akhtyamov went 20-12-6 posting 6 shutouts and had an impressive 1.74 GAA and league leading .943 save percentage. While he may be a couple of years away from even making the trip over to North America, Akhtyamov has certainly given the Leafs hope that he could be a serviceable NHL goalie down the line.

The Leafs have not had a drafted and developed goaltender who has excelled since James Reimer, although Joseph Woll is on the right track to becoming the next one. Behind Woll, Akhtyamov could factor into the future plans in Toronto should he continue to develop the way he has been.

Ryan Reaves' Brother Gets Involved in Public Beef with Oilers Defenseman Darnell Nurse

NHL Explains Why Zach Whitecloud's Hit on Matthew Knies Didn't Warrant a Suspension

Oilers' Darnell Nurse Deep Fries Maple Leafs Enforcer Ryan Reaves For Dangerous Hit

Player Safety Reportedly Makes Controversial Decision on Zach Whitecloud's hit on Leafs' Matthew Knies

Craig Berube Shares Surprising Update on Leafs Winger Matthew Knies

Craig Berube Shares Exciting News Regarding Maple Leafs Captain Auston Matthews

Leafs Goalie Joseph Woll Admits to Using Matthew Knies Injury as Motivation to Stick it to Vegas

The NHL's Treatment of Ryan Reaves Versus Their Treatment of Zach Whitecloud Causing Unrest in Toronto

Leafs Coach Craig Berube Shares Update on Matthew Knies, Does His Best to Avoid $25,000 Fine

Leafs' Nikita Grebenkin Could Face Supplemental Discipline After NHL Debut