Artur Akhtyamov is forcing Toronto into a goalie decision they did not expect to make

Artur Akhtyamov was a key reason why the Marlies are headed to the Calder Cup Finals, and the Maple Leafs are now facing a critical decision in the crease.

Akhtyamov has had a blistering postseason thus far, recording an 11-6-0 record to go along with a 2.12 GAA and .927 SV% and showing shades of Dominik Hasek with his last second saves and wild man nature in net. He's also creating a big issue for Toronto now that they have four goaltenders who can play in the NHL and it's time they decided which one to trade.

Though he hasn't really made the leap to the NHL just yet, his ability to step up under pressure and show up when it counts is invaluable to a Maple Leafs team that needs a goaltender who can help shut things down in case the defensive side lets him down.

With that in mind, Akhtyamov is a goalie that the Maple Leafs can't let go, but they also have Anthony Stolarz, Joseph Woll, and Dennis Hildeby in the mix. That really can't work if all of them are fighting for NHL jobs, so the team needs to make a decision.

If you're John Chayka, you have to balance what you prefer from a goaltending tandem. Would you like two veterans who aren't exactly the healthiest bodies but also very reliable when healthy? Do you want two youngsters patrolling the pipes to help usher in the youth movement? A mix of both?

Anthony Stolarz is the veteran on the chopping block thanks to Akhtyamov's emergence as a true NHL starter

That's a tough call and with all of those goalies locked down for the foreseeable future, you have to weigh pros and cons. With the focus being on adding the young players into the mix like Easton Cowan, Gavin McKenna/Ivar Stenberg, Ben Danford et al being viewed making the jump either this upcoming season or next - it may be time to deal a veteran.

So unfortunately for Anthony Stolarz, that means he's the likeliest candidate. He's 32, deals with a ton of injury concerns and can't stay on the ice for a heavy workload. Yes, he can be stellar at times and has legitimately saved a lot of games for Toronto (pun not intended).

But when he only plays 15-20 games because he's hurt and you need the others anyways? Time to cut losses.

He also makes $3.75-million which isn't a ton of money but it's also a contract that has unfortunate trade protection. Stolarz has a 16-team no-fly list, so getting him out may take some convincing but there are teams like New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Edmonton who all need goaltending help.

Stolarz registered a 10-10-3 record with a 3.28 GAA and .893 SV%. It's a far cry from his debut season with Toronto where he went 21-8-3 with a 2.14 GAA and .926 SV%; he only appeared in 25 starts in 2025-26.

Rival teams are going to want Ahktyamov thanks to his Calder Cup Playoff performance

Stolarz leaving isn't a testament to his inability to play net; clearly we've seen he can be great. But when you have a player like Ahktyamov who is only 24, looks absolutely comfortable in the North American game and has been the key reason the Marlies are where they are - you're going to get attention.

It's why it wouldn't be shocking to see teams put out feeler offers for Akhtyamov and see if they can pry him away. If they want a young goalie and Chayka really is handicapped, then Hildeby is the better call knowing that he has to deal with waivers this season.

Akhtyamov doesn't get a lot of shutouts, but he certainly prevents his fair share of goals. You don't often see a modern goaltender with the flopping, wild, and unpredictable nature of a Tim Thomas or Dominik Hasek, but Akhtyamov is a modern version of a forgotten era.

You can't take a chance that Akhtyamov is going to be a stud then turn around and trade him and lose that potential. We've seen that Hildeby can handle the NHL job and looked comfortable. Woll has dealt with injuries but is also going to be 28 in a month - he's in his prime.

That leaves Stolarz as the odd man out and the only goaltender Chayka should trade this summer.

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