The Maple Leafs' goalie pipeline just made itself impossible to ignore with its latest achievement
Photo credit: Marc DesRosiers-IMAGN Images
A Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender has been given a major honor that could be a massive boost for his stock.
Toronto Maple Leafs netminder has been named as one of the netminders chosen for the American Hockey League All-Star game as a member of the North Division.
Each AHL team has one player required to be chosen, with the 24-year-old getting the nod on the Marlies side, picked as the choice to represent Toronto as an all-star.
Akhtyamov is the third consecutive Leafs netminder to play in the AHL All-Star game. Joseph Woll played in 2023 and Dennis Hildeby in both 2024 and 2025.
Both Hildeby and Woll shared tributes via the Marlies social media for Akhtyamov in honor of his nod for the All-Star game.
Akhtyamov has a 13-7-1 record for the Marlies on the season, who sit fourth in the North Division with a 19-15-1-2 record this season. Akhtyamov also played a game for the Leafs, stopping all five shots in a relief appearance.
What Artur Akhtyamov's all star nod could add him into the Leafs discussion in net
Having made his NHL debut earlier this past season and a nod for the All-Star game, Artur Akhtyamov is proving himself in the AHL, and under some difficult circumstances.
Akhtyamov has been forced to step up for the Marlies after Dennis Hildeby was called up to the Leafs roster following an injury to Anthony Stolarz.
With Hildeby out, to which he still remains with the big club, it's been up to Akhtyamov to be forced to step up and play as the #1 with a heavy workload after being expected to split time with Hildeby.
Akhtyamov has been a workhorse for the Marlies with Hildeby away, and it's a plus for his potential in the Leafs organization facing uncertainty long-term.
It's unclear when Anthony Stolarz will be back, and inconsistency in his second season in Toronto in just 13 games raises questions marks if Stolarz may become expendable.
Akhtyamov is battling Hildeby for a look at a potential backup spot with the Leafs, and has Hildeby as the real challenge for that chance beyond this season.
The Leafs have some riches in terms of netminder options, and have some strong decisions to make eventually over who is their future in net after this season.
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| POLL | ||
JANVIER 15|926 ANSWERS The Maple Leafs' goalie pipeline just made itself impossible to ignore with its latest achievement Who will be the better goalie in five years? | ||
| Dennis Hildeby | 693 | 74.8 % |
| Artur Akhtyamov | 233 | 25.2 % |
| List of polls | ||