The Leafs may have a legitimate ace on the way from the 2020 draft
Goaltending was a huge question mark in Toronto for several seasons, but now, thanks to the stellar play of Matt Murray and Ilya Samsonov, it's actually a positional strength. However, the goaltending at the NHL level isn't the only thing to be excited about.
This weekend in VHL action, Leafs prospect Artur Akhtyamov posted a 36-save shutout to secure the 1-0 victory over Zvezda Moscow. It's his 4th shutout of the season so far and Akhtyamov actually leads his league in SV%. Through 23 games thus far, Akhtyamov has racked up a 15-6-2 record to go along with a 1.60 GAA and a .946 SV%.
Playing the way he has been, it's becoming abundantly clear that Akhtyamov is too good for the VHL, which is the equivalent of the AHL in Russia. If he keeps going the way he's going, a KHL call-up will increase in likelihood. If it does, however, it may not necessarily be the best thing for Akhtyamov's overall development. As you may be aware, it's extremely difficult for young players to earn legitimate playing time in the KHL.
Akhtyamov, 21, was drafted by the Leafs in the 4th round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft with the 106th overall pick. In an ideal world, the Leafs would bring him over to North America at the end of his season to continue with his development and perhaps sneak him into some AHL game action. However, with the organization's overabundance of goaltenders at this time, they may need to move someone out to accommodate another body in net.
If Akhtyamov continues to play at the level that he's been playing at all year, he's going to force someone's hand - whether that be with his KHL club or Kyle Dubas in Toronto. Mark me down as "legitimately excited" for this goaltending prospect.
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DECEMBRE 12 | 1 ANSWERS The Leafs may have a legitimate ace on the way from the 2020 draft Will Artur Akhtyamov be an NHL starter in the next 2-3 years? | ||
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