Artur Akhtyamov's new extension puts Woll and Stolarz on the trade block
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
The Maple Leafs just told you everything you need to know about how they view their goaltending situation this summer, and it cost them $900K a year.
Toronto's extension of AHL netminder Artur Akhtyamov to a three-year deal isn't a depth move. It's the first signal that Brad Treliving, or his replacement, is preparing to move one of Anthony Stolarz or Joseph Woll this offseason.
Akhtyamov, 24, has appeared in 32 games this season in the AHL with an 18-10-4 record with a 2.86 GAA and a .904 SV%, taking on an expanded role with the Marlies after starter Dennis Hildeby was called up to the Leafs to cover for mid-season injuries.
Appearing in just a game for Toronto, Akhtyamov could be the Marlies next number one for 2026-27 if the Leafs make changes in regards to their situation in net.
The Akhtyamov and Hildeby deals
confirm the front office has lost patience with the veteran era
Why "Stolarz or Woll" and not "Stolarz and Woll"? For one, both being dealt is unlikely to happen in one offseason, even if Toronto brings in a veteran to replace one of the two.
Akhtyamov is signed to a two-way deal for his first year, giving the Leafs flexibility that will likely keep him at least one more season in the minors.
There have been scattered rumors about one of the two main Leafs netminders potentially being on the move, a trade that could open up a position for Hildeby, who impressed in a 19-game audition in the NHL.
Stolarz, who had been one of the league's top netminders last season, has struggled to replicate his form this season, while Woll has been the better of the two numbers, but has never been able to force his way to being Toronto's surefire #1.
As for Akhtyamov, having both him and Hildeby, the latter already signed until 2028, locked up gives them the chance to usurp both Stolarz and Woll, Hildeby for one next season, and potentially Akhtyamov the next.
Weaponizing goalie depth is the only
way to fix the Maple Leafs' identity crisis this summer
While Anthony Stolarz was viewed as the Leafs surefire starter of the future, or at least for the next few seasons, there was some hindsight that could have predicted that Stolarz may regress.
Having written back in July about the potential of Stolarz, a career backup, not being able to replicate his surprise performance was a scenario that could have gone in a more positive direction, but has this season come true.
It's still possible that Anthony Stolarz isn't just a one-season wonder, but if he is, Toronto having rewarded said season with a four-year contract at $3.75M wouldn't be so easy to move.
Woll isn't much cheaper at $3.66M, and despite Stolarz's 2024-25 being a higher peak than Woll has achieved, focusing just on this season favors Woll.
But, does Hildeby have a chance of being the one dealt? He could, but the problem is Toronto's current goaltending tandem.
The only way that Stolarz and Woll remain Leafs is if Brad Treliving, or whoever is the GM this offseason, believes in the two for next season, which could push out Hildeby to recoup assets.
Whichever player gets dealt by the Toronto Maple Leafs, they hold the same responsibility, get back a piece that impacts them long-term.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 15|817 ANSWERS Artur Akhtyamov's new extension puts Woll and Stolarz on the trade block Which goaltender should be dealt by Toronto? | ||
| Anthony Stolarz | 550 | 67.3 % |
| Joseph Woll | 165 | 20.2 % |
| Dennis Hildeby | 102 | 12.5 % |
| List of polls | ||