Toronto Maple Leafs Goalie Gets First NHL Start Against The New York Islanders

 

While the Toronto Maple Leafs organization is dealing with inner turmoil, the team is getting an idea of what they've had stashed away in the AHL this season. 

Goalie Artur Akhtyamov, drafted 106th overall in 2020 by the Maple Leafs, will get his first NHL start against the New York Islanders tonight. 

The Maple Leafs are 2-5-3 in their last ten games, and need some fresh blood to help push the team in a positive direction before they head for the golf course in mid-April. 

Akhtyamov is one of four players the team recalled ahead of the game tonight against the Peter DeBoer-led New York Islanders. This is after the team lost four players to injuries, including starting goaltender Anthony Stolarz. 

This season, he's played 36 games in the AHL with the Marlies with a record of 20-12-4, 2.90 goals against average, and a .903 save percentage. 

If successful, Akhtyamov and the Mapleafs could spoil Matthew Schaefer and the Islanders' hopes of attaining a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

4th-Round Pick Artur Akhtyamov's First NHL Start

Prior to being recalled on an emergency basis to the NHL by the Maple Leafs to help support the team on the 2nd part of a back-to-back, he previously made his NHL debut on December 13th against the Edmonton Oilers. 

Akhytamov saw the Russian-born goaltender turn away all five shots he faced from the Oilers in relief.

He also played as an AHL All-Star this season for the Marlies, helping the Maple Leafs' minor-league squad clinch a berth to the Calder Cup playoffs in 2026. 

Will Berube find his ace in the hole tonight with Akhytamov getting the start, or will the Maple Leafs let him down?

“I really liked him right from camp,” Berube said. “He’s backed up a couple of times this year and just has a great personality. He's played well down there. He's a competitor, he’s got fast reflexes, and he's competitive as hell. I like the kid a lot”.

 The 4th-round pick has brought consistency to the Marlies, finishing the 2024-25 season with a record of 11-8-4, 2.81 GAA, and a .903 SV%.

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