Maple Leafs Lend Top Prospect to Another League
Artur Akhtyamov signed his 3-year ELC with the Leafs on July 1st, and many speculated that he could have an opportunity to stay with the organization this season, being one of the Leafs' top goalie prospects.
Akhtyamov was drafted in the 4th round of the 2020 NHL entry draft by the Leafs. At 21 years old, Akhtyamov has already shown significant potential in his past seasons in the Russian VHL league.
This past season, with Neftyanik Almetievsk, Akhtyamov boasted a 1.74 G.A.A and a.943 SV%.
The Leaf's prospect is expected to make the jump to the KHL this season, battling for a spot on Ak Bars Kazan.
Akhtyamov returns to Russia amid goalie uncertainties in Toronto. With Samsonov's contract being decided, and Murray's fate from that, Leaf fans can be hopeful that a top goaltender prospect is under development overseas.
Battling for a sport with goalies Timur Bilyalov and Amir Miftakhov will surely benefit Akhtyamov, as both put up nice numbers last season.
Previously on HockeyPatrol
POLL |
JUILLET 24 | 1209 ANSWERS Maple Leafs Lend Top Prospect to Another League Who will start in Goal for the Maple Leafs next season? |
Samsonov | 1025 | 84.8 % |
Murray | 55 | 4.5 % |
Other | 129 | 10.7 % |
List of polls |