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.

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