The Toronto Maple Leafs called up Artur Akhtyamov from the Toronto Marlies as they look to get a different look aside from Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz.
On Monday, the Maple Leafs made a big roster move ahead of their game against the San Jose Sharks, as the team called up goaltender Artur Akhtyamov from the Toronto Marlies, as well as confirming the addition of Vinni Lettieri from the team as well:
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Toronto adds reinforcements in the crease by adding the Calder Cup MVP
With the team in a back-to-back situation Monday and Tuesday, they are looking to make sure they have enough insurance and aren't scrambling for a call-up in case of any immediate issues.
Akhtyamov, 24, has a 2-1-0 record with a 2.94 GAA and .882 SV% so far this season; he's also appeared in three NHL games but has a 0-2-0 record with a 5.24 GAA and .877 SV% - all last season. Akhtyamov also won the Calder Cup MVP after posting a 15-7-0 record with a 2.22 GAA and .923 SV%.
Lettieri, 31, has not appeared in an NHL game for the Maple Leafs since signing last summer, but has 155 games of NHL experience, and had 14 goals and 42 points for the Marlies, with 26 points in 17 playoff games.
Right now, the Maple Leafs are mostly calling up Akhtyamov for insurance, however with the struggles that both Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz have shown this year they could be looking for a new face in net (at least for one game).
And per Elliotte Friedman, Akhtyamov will be backing up Bobrovsky on Monday night, and Stolarz on Tuesday:
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It's already a bit concerning though that nine games the team is already trying to manage the workload in their crease.
Toronto should get an earlier look at Akhtyamov
While he did falter last season, he didn't have the best team in front of him for sure. He was also slotted in during a time when the Maple Leafs were pretty much out of the race.
But now they are starting to let things get out of hand early, and the Maple Leafs can't afford that. Giving Akhtyamov the chance to steady things shows a lot of confidence in someone who has proven to handle the pressure.
Winning Calder Cup MVP doesn't mean Akhtyamov was a man amongst rookies, he was playing against NHL-level talent night in and night out, but came up strong. He has hit footing under him fully in North America, and if Toronto wants to go with him as their future starter - he's the perfect age to well...start.
Plus, it gives them time to see if he is cut out for the NHL yet, and if not, have plenty of time to send him back to the Marlies to gain even more confidence. He has everyone behind him, and it's up to him to prove why they should stay believers.
And that chance could come as early as this week.
More details to come.
Do you think Toronto will start Artur Akhtyamov during their back-to-back?
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