Promising Young Maple Leafs Goaltender Demoted After Disastrous Two-Game Performance

It's been a long time coming since the Toronto Maple Leafs have had not only reliable goaltending at the NHL level, but a farm system full of prospects including Dennis Hildeby, Artur Ahktyamov, and Vyacheslav Peksa who who look to lead the next generation between the pipes.

But for the latter, it might need to wait a bit longer. It was announced that the Toronto Marlies assigned Peksa back to the Leafs ECHL affiliate the Cincinnati Cyclones.

Things haven't gone as planned for Peksa so far this season. In only two games with the Marlies, he went 0-1-0 with a 3.77 GAA and .878 SV%. He let in two goals on nine shots against Lehigh Valley, and though he improved against Utica, he still earned the loss.

The Maple Leafs signed Peksa in May 2023 though was drafted by the team in 2021. He excelled in Russia's second level of pro hockey with Bars Kazan, and while he isn't as big as the other goalies, he uses his speed and quick reaction time to stop pucks.

He heads back to the Cyclones where he's spent the majority of his time this season. Peksa has a 3-8-2 record with a 3.20 GAA and .875 SV% as he still tries to adjust to the North American game. The wins and stats will come for the youngster, though the constant movement could definitely be frustrating for him.

It remains to be seen if Peksa can adjust quickly to the rigors of ice hockey in North America, but he shouldn't worry too much. He's here for a reason, and Toronto needs to make sure they keep as many pieces as possible for their future in net; the biggest wild card of any prospect pool.