Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Artur Akhtyamov got his first look as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Could it mean something bigger for the team going forward?
The Toronto Maple Leafs gave rookie goaltender Artur Akhtyamov his first look at NHL action, getting a stint in net late in the third period in a 6-3 loss Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers.
Coming in relief for Dennis Hildeby after Hildeby allowed six goals on 32 shots (including an own goal), Akhtyamov appeared to save all five shots faced from the Oilers offense.
Akhtyamov managed to keep the Edmonton Oilers from getting any more goals in a blowout win led by a two-goal, three point night for Connor McDavid.
In what was his first ever NHL appearance, could this be a sign of Akhtyamov making his case for the Leafs starting job in the future?
Could Artur Akhtyamov get a chance in net for Toronto this season?
Dennis Hildeby has been making his case for a potential long-term spot in the Toronto Maple Leafs crease, but Akhtyamov quietly gave himself a promising first game.
Of course, the important point to note is that Akhtyamov played just a single period, giving too little of a reference point over tonight’s performance beyond a respectable relief effort.
Hildeby and Akhtyamov have largely shared the net in the AHL with the Toronto Marlies, Hildeby with an 18-11-9 record, with a 2.58 GAA and a .905 SV%. Akhtyamov has an 18-13-7 record with a 2.89 GAA and a .900 SV%.
It’s clear that Hildeby as of right now is the Leafs #3 over Akhtyamov, with the 6’7 Hildeby having more AHL experience and slightly better stats.
Currently, Toronto has no timeline for either Joseph Woll and Anthony Stolarz’s return, and if the Maple Leafs are not going to go after an external option; they need to give Ahktyamov more time; small sample size be damned.
You can’t just run with Hildeby forever, and you risk overworking and tiring him out which will lead to performances like Saturday night.
Until Stolarz and Woll are back on the roster and Hildeby and Akhtyamov are both returned to the AHL, it will be again a battle for the potential future of the Leafs crease between two capable but unproven goalies.
Previously on Hockey Patrol