Drafted in the fourth round by the Leafs in 2020, Akhtyamov has shown his mettle across various Russian leagues, including the KHL, VHL, and MHL. Standing at 6'1" and weighing 168 pounds, the 22-year-old has room to build more muscle, yet his size has hardly hindered his performance. During his most notable KHL stretch, he recorded a stellar .921 save percentage and a 2.51 goals against average over 17 games.
Last off-season marked a significant milestone for Akhtyamov as he inked a three-year entry-level contract with the Leafs, although he spent the subsequent season on loan to the KHL. Curtis Rines, a Dobber Prospects reporter, shed light on Akhtyamov's recent season in March:
With his prospects in the KHL uncertain, the Leafs organization seems eager to take a proactive role in his development. Akhtyamov's move aligns him with fellow prospects Dennis Hildeby and Vyacheslav Peksa, enhancing the Leafs' goaltending depth—a crucial area that lacked robust options in the past. Now, Toronto boasts a collection of potential long-term goaltending talents, including restricted free agent Keith Petruzzelli.
This strategic shift underscores the Leafs' commitment to nurturing top-tier talent and securing their future between the pipes. As Akhtyamov transitions to North American ice, the anticipation around his potential impact grows, signaling exciting times ahead for both him and the Leafs organization.
