The Toronto Maple Leafs have unfortunately been anything but fully healthy this season, which has also included injuries to both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll.
Their injuries forced them to call up goaltender Dennis Hildeby from the American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies, along with Artur Akhtyamov, the latter of whom played only a single game in December.
But Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has decided that Akhtyamov is part of the club’s future plans, and has acted accordingly with a three-year contract extension.
____________________________________________________________
The Toronto Maple Leafs Have Re-Signed Goaltender Artur Akhtyamov To A Three-Year Contract Extension
On Sunday afternoon, the Maple Leafs informed their fans via social media that goaltender Artur Akhtyamov has been re-signed to a three-year contract extension. The deal carries a $900,000 salary cap hit.
A fourth round (106th overall) selection of the Maple Leafs in the 2020 NHL Draft, Akhtyamov has spent the majority of his time in North America suiting up for the Marlies in the American Hockey League.
Prior to his arrival in North America, he suited up in his native Russia for Almetyevsk Neftyanik in the All-Russian Hockey League (VHL), which is the second level of Russian ice hockey. Additionally, he played for Kazan Bars in the VHL, and later, Kazan Ak-Bars in the KHL.
Eventually making his debut in North America with the Marlies, Akhtyamov appeared in 26 games during the 2024-25 season, amassing a record of 11-8-4 while posting a 2.81 goals-against average, a .901 save percentage, and three shutouts.
So far this season, he’s gone 18-10-4 while posting a 2.86 goals-against average, a .904 save percentage, and has one shutout. He represented the Marlies as part of the North Division in this season’s AHL All-Star Classic.
He’s made one appearance at the NHL level, playing 11 minutes in a relief appearance for Hildeby against the Edmonton Oilers on Dec. 13 of this season; he stopped all five shots that he faced.
In December, Woll had high praise for Akhtyamov, calling him “super laid back” and noting that he’s always got a smile on his face.
“From the first time I saw him I thought he was sick,” Woll said. “He’s a good goalie, man, you watch him out there. I don’t know, the Russians are feeding their guys something different, he’s great. So it’s been fun out there with him, super laid back guy who’s always smiling.”
The Maple Leafs Will Have To Hope Their Goaltending Can Remain Healthy Next Season
The Maple Leafs also decided recently that Stolarz fit into their long-term plans, announcing a contract extension for him in September with a $3.75 million salary cap hit.
It was understandable given the success that he had in 2024-25, his first year with the Maple Leafs; he posted an impressive 21-8-3 record with a solid 2.14 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.
However, Stolarz suffered a nerve injury in November, and missed the next several weeks of play.
Woll also missed multiple games this season after suffering a lower-body injury in December.
If the Maple Leafs are to get back on the right track next season, it will be imperative that their goaltenders remain as healthy as possible.
Maple Leafs Sign Goaltender To Three-Year Extension