Sergei Bobrovsky is making young Maple Leafs goalie nervous

Artur Akhtyamov admitted that Sergei Bobrovsky's presence in the locker room is intimidating, though he noted could be due to his intense workout regimen.

Toronto made a huge splash this offseason, managing to lure two-time Stanley Cup winning goalie Sergei Bobrovsky away from the Florida Panthers and locking him up to a three-year, $21-million contract. Sure, it's a bit expensive considering his age, but given his immense focus on fitness and his previous resume, it's a gamble worth betting on.

Motivated to get started in Toronto, Bobrovsky is going to be crucial for not only the success of the Maple Leafs, but also ensure that the future of the team is going to be set up nicely. More specifically, be a great mentor for Artur Akhtyamov.

Sergei Bobrovsky's intense fitness routine leaves Akhtyamov nervous

Both goalies are Russian, which makes things a little easier in terms of a communication standpoint, and Akhtyamov is not only hungry to show he's the next big thing, but coming into a season with high expectations as the Marlies starter and reigning Calder Cup MVP.

Though that communication still could be a bit of an issue, and not because Bobrovsky is unwilling to help, but rather Akhtyamov is a bit starstruck.

Speaking to TSN's Mark Masters, Akhtyamov talked about what it was like having Bobrovsky in the locker room and admitted that he's still a little shaky whenever the net minder is around:

We spoke a little bit. He's a great guy, he's still my favourite goalie. I try to learn everything, I am not copying him but what he asks, a lot of hard work and I try to do the same...he does lots of workout, stretching - when I come into the gym he's in here every time.

Probably still nervous when I see him, he's a superstar and one of the best and of course [I'm nervous].

Akhtyamov also acknowledged that his first reaction was surprise when he found out the team landed Bobrovsky, which quickly turned to excitement. It's also great to see Akhtyamov so honest about his feelings, and it's understandable why he might be a little awestruck by his new teammate.

The Calder Cup MVP recorded a 21-12-6 record with a 2.88 GAA and .904 SV% while adding a 15-7 record with a 2.22 GAA and .923 SV% with the Marlies last year, though had an 0-2-0 record with a 5.24 GAA and .877 SV% in three games with the Maple Leafs.

Bobrovsky's mentorship for Akhtyamov could unlock a new star goalie

While Bobrovsky is going to be the unquestioned starter for the Maple Leafs going forward, he is only here for the next three years and is certainly getting up there in age. When he's out of town, the Maple Leafs are going to need that next level starter, and Akhtyamov could be it.

He's already got all the tools to succeed, and while his NHL debut didn't go so well, he was also part of a team that was nowhere near competitive. There's also a real shot that Akhtyamov ends up backing up Bobrovsky given Anthony Stolarz's wild-card health status, so the mentorship can start early.

Bobrovsky can teach Akhtyamov not only about the fitness and physical side of things, but given that he's someone who has been through it all, is instrumental for shaping the mental game for Akhtyamov. Struggles happen, bad goals squeak in, and you won't win every game. Bobrovsky knows this, and can keep Akhtyamov's spirits up in case things go south.

If he can teach the young goalie to stand firm and confident in his ability, shake off any negatives (and as we've seen, he's quite capable of) and also give him a way to maintain his career long-term, then the signing of Bobrovsky just won't be great for Toronto now.

But it could end up giving them a star goaltender for the next decade just in time for the new era of the Maple Leafs to kick off.

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