Maple Leafs send goalie to the AHL following surprise call-up

After a back-to back where the team needed some goalie insurance, they have decided to send Artur Akhtyamov back to the Toronto Marlies (AHL).

With the Toronto Maple Leafs having a busy week of games this recent stretch, they added Artur Akhtyamov from the Marlies as a means to have some insurance behind Anthony Stolarz as the team travelled to Columbus for a quick road game, giving Sergei Bobrovsky time to rest.

Toronto managed to secure both games on Monday and Tuesday, and with the Rangers on Thursday at home, they are looking to make it three in a row, but Akhtyamov won't be there to see it.

Toronto sends down Akhtyamov as the need for goalie insurance decreases

The Maple Leafs made the decision to demote Akhtyamov back to the Toronto Marlies (AHL) as they don't need the extra insurance right now, and also have EBUG Brandon Bonello in case anything goes seriously awry:

-

Akhtyamov has been pretty solid this season for the Marlies, splitting time with Samuel Hlavaj. He's recorded a 2-1-0 record with a 2.94 GAA and .882 SV%. He won the Calder Cup MVP after helping the Marlies to the championship with a 15-7-0 record, a 2.22 GAA and .923 SV%.

Akhtyamov is expected to be a key part of the Maple Leafs crease in the near future, and represents the youth movement in a goaltending situation that is one of the older tandems in the league. He's proven he can handle the pressure, though his NHL numbers aren't great - a product of a terrible team last year.

Will Akhtyamov get his shot this year?

If he continues to play the way he has, then absolutely. There comes a time every year where a goalie is inevitably hurt or dealing with some type of issue, thus needing him to step in.

Hopefully he has a lot more protection and comes into a much better situation than he did last year. If he is able to back up Bobrovsky for a spell and put in at least respectable backup-worthy performances, then it's the best-case scenario.

You don't want to force Akhtyamov into a bad situation but you can give him a chance to swim. If there's another back-to-back then why not give him a start? Or if the team is on a winning streak why not see if he can ride that momentum in net?

Eventually, the team is going to have to see what he has to offer at an NHL level outside of an emergency role. It would be better to get his feet wet now when the team is much better prepared, and he can learn from being around Bobrovsky - one of his idols.

So it may not be the time for Akhtyamov right now as the Leafs don't need his assistance, but he certainly is going to get his chance. He has to, otherwise Toronto may need to see what his value is to other teams around the league.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Maple Leafs' completed trade with the Colorado Avalanche includes an underrated asset