24-Year-Old Maple Leafs goaltending prospect earns major honor in the AHL
Photo credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images
Toronto Marlies goaltender Artur Akhtyamov appears to be having a solid season in the AHL, and it has led to an honor that is very much deserved.
The Toronto Maple Leafs have been developing goaltender Artur Akhtyamov for a while now, and there have been questions about this paying off.
Akthyamov actually got to play for the Maple Leafs during one period of the regular season, and he turned aside all of the shots he faced.
However, he has mostly spent his season in the AHL, where he has been able to be one of the league's best goaltenders with a goals-against average of 2.98 and a save percentage of .898.
These numbers don't jump off the page, but in the AHL, they are actually considered to be quite good, all things considered.
Artur Akhtyamov is looking good in the AHL
The AHL must be seeing something in Akhtyamov, as it was recently revealed that the goalie would be playing in the league's All-Star Game.
Being chosen for the All-Star Game in any league is a massive honor, and now, Akhtyamov gets to take part in something special.
At the end of the day, Akhtyamov is someone who is still a ways away from being a viable starting goaltender in the NHL.
Having said that, he is still someone that the Maple Leafs fanbase should be keeping tabs on, over the coming years.
Given the success of Dennis Hildeby, it seems as though Akhtyamov will, at the very worst, become a trade chip a little ways down the line.
For now, fans will just have to sit tight, and await what's next for the netminder.
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