The Maple Leafs have a goalie being compared to Dominik Hasek

The Toronto Maple Leafs could've their very own Russian sensation between the pipes as Artur Akhtyamov is receiving high praise and is being compared to one the best ever.

Artur Akhtyamov has really shone in the AHL Playoffs for the Toronto Marlies, being a key reason why they were able to secure a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals, and give the Maple Leafs yet another young goalie who could be a force in the NHL for years to come.

He currently holds a 8-4-0 record with a 2.17 GAA and a .924 SV% so far in the playoffs, and registered a 21-12-6 record to go along with a 2.88 GAA and .904 SV%.

Akhtyamov also just stopped 34 of 36 shots against Wilkes-Barre Scranton in the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals on Wednesday.

Akhtyamov already got a small taste of NHL action in 2025-26 and he's going to be one of the first to be looked upon should the Maple Leafs injury bug hit hard yet again.

Artur Akhtyamov turning heads in the AHL as Maple Leafs believe he's the real deal

But he's also someone who already has a lot of pro experience in Russia and has made the switch to North American hockey as smooth as anyone can. According to Elliotte Friedman, it seems the Maple Leafs are quite impressed with his results.

Friedman also notes that the team envisions big things in the future and believe Akhtyamov can be a serious contender to be the starter of the future:

I have heard from some people who have been talking to the Toronto people around the AHL team, the organization is watching this and believing Akhtyamov is for real.

So, I don't know if they expect that he can play NHL games next year, but they definitely believe that he has an NHL future, and it's going to be interesting to see if that affects any of Toronto's decision-making in net this offseason, because people are looking for goalies and they have a surplus.

And as you mentionedthey have to basically decide, are they going to have Hildeby be their backup next year, or risk losing him on waivers? So that will be something to watch for sure.

Akhtyamov already took over the starting job from Dennis Hildeby, and he very well could be viewed as a key piece next season especially if Toronto wants to part ways with Anthony Stolarz or Joseph Woll.

Speaking of, if Hildeby is seen as the future then Toronto has to make a decision with Dennis Hildeby, as he could be lost on waivers next season and go elsewhere with nothing in return. The Maple Leafs have to make a goaltending decision soon, and it's another chore on John Chayka's to-do list.

Artur Akhtyamov plays like no other goalie Toronto has ever had and it's reminiscent of one NHL legend

While it would be a really, really gross overestimation of Akhtyamov's talent considering that Hasek is one of the most dynamic, talented and legendary goalies of all time; there's some comparables.

Besides the Russian connection, Akhtyamov and Hasek both play a calm and collected style that often finds itself open to doing whatever it takes to keep the puck out - like Akhtyamov's heroics against Cleveland where he was spinning in the crease and lunged with his blocker to pop the puck up:

-

That seems very similar to something Hasek would do when faced with a lot of adversity in his crease:

-

The wild, frantic style of both Hasek and Akhtyamov lend itself to frustrating opponents because regardless of being 'out of position' their ability to go post to post and use every inch of their frame to stop pucks means they never really are.

Now clearly, the level of talent with Hasek and Akhtyamov is apples to oranges, and it's less about the talent as to why Akhtyamov is like his compatriot. But it's because of their similar mentality, ability to adapt under pressure, and both came from Russia and immediately found a home in North America.

So while it won't exactly be 'The Dominator' in Toronto, but it seems like 'Artie' is ready to stake his claim as the Maple Leafs goaltender of the future.

Also read on Hockey Patrol :
Gavin McKenna just told you exactly what kind of player he is