Maple Leafs Goalie Prospect Being Compared to One of the Top Goalies in the NHL
Maple Leafs fans should be excited about the progress and development of Artur Akhtyamov, whom Marlies head coach John Gruden is comparing to a top NHL goalie.
Akhtyamov was originally drafted by the Leafs in the 4th round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, with the 106th overall pick. His numbers in the Russian junior circuit had been strong up to that point, but it was really anyone's guess how he would fair as a professional. Thankfully, he's handled himself quite well.
After back-to-back strong seasons in the VHL, first posting .943 save percentage with Almetyevsk Neftyanik in 2022-23 and then a .927 SV% with the same club in 2023-24, Akhtyamov got his big break in the KHL, a 17-game run with Kazan Ak-Bars, where he posted a .921 SV%. For his efforts, he collected goaltender of the year honours.
His success in the KHL led to him leaving Russia and joining the Toronto Marlies this season, where he has posted equally impressive numbers in his first season in North America.
Currently, through his first 6 AHL games, Akhtyamov has posted a ridiculous .926 SV% and a miniscule 1.95 GAA, en route to a 5-0-1 record.
Marlies head coach John Gruden knows a thing or two about elite goaltenders, as he was able to coach Ilya Sorokin for a time with the New York Islanders organization. Surprisingly, Gruden sees a lot of Sorokin in Akhtyamov's game.
It's difficult not to get excited after hearing such a comparison. After all, Sorokin is one of the most highly-touted goalies in the entire National Hockey League, and for good reason. If Akhtyamov carries similar traits, perhaps we're all sleeping on how good he may actually become.
The Leafs once carried a lot of concern over their situation in goal, but that no longer appears to be the case. Not only is UFA signee Anthony Stolarz playing incredible hockey for the Leafs right now, but the Buds also have the likes of Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby patrolling the blue paint in Toronto as well. Add Akhtyamov into the mix, and it creates quite the impressive system between the pipes for the Leafs.
Akhtyamov is likely still at least 2 years away from challenging for NHL starts, but he's certainly kicked off his tenure in Toronto in a wonderful way, showcasing his tremendous skill and athleticism in his first 6 professional starts in North America.
