Artur “Artie” Akhtyamov fundamentally reshaped the Toronto Marlies’ goalie situation. The 24-year-old netminder wasn’t just “the guy” by the Calder Cup Playoffs, he was the MVP, full stop. Even Chicago Wolves head coach Spiros Anasatas, whose team hadn’t won a game in the Calder Cup Final, admitted Artie was an “enigma” they couldn’t solve in Game #3. Anasatas noted the Wolves had “solved” the Grand Rapids Griffins all season, beating “notionally the best team in the league,” but they were unfamiliar with the Marlies’ changed lineup and specifically Akhtyamov.
The Enigma Who Became an MVP
By the time the Calder Cup Playoffs were rolling, it was crystal clear Akhtyamov was the one holding down the fort. Marlies coach John Gruden didn’t even consider giving Dennis Hildeby a start to rest Akhtyamov, flat-out saying, “I think he’s the best goalie in the playoffs.” And Gruden was right, because Artie went on to be named the playoffs’ MVP! This wasn’t some fluke. Akhtyamov played a staggering 22 of the Marlies’ 25 playoff games, showing just how much faith the team had in him. His numbers are solid too: 6’2″, 176 lbs, drafted 106th in 2020. The dude is a presence in net, and he proved it when it mattered most.
Toronto’s Goalie Shuffle
Here’s where things get interesting and a little wild. While Akhtyamov was busy becoming an MVP, two other significant Leafs goalie prospects, Joseph Woll and Dennis Hildeby, were falling out of favor and getting shipped out. Woll, who even played in important playoff games for the Leafs, was traded to the Flyers in the off-season. Then there’s Hildeby, who was briefly touted as a “future long-term Leafs backup goalie.” He was practically the same age as Artie, but only played three playoff games for the Marlies before he too was dealt, going to the Lightning in the off-season. It’s a pattern, really. The Leafs have moved out AHL All-Star goalies before, but trading two highly-regarded guys in one off-season speaks volumes about their confidence in Akhtyamov.
With Woll and Hildeby gone, the path for Akhtyamov seems clearer than ever. The Marlies clearly bet big on him by giving him the lion’s share of starts in their championship run. The big question now is when this “enigma” makes his full impact felt at the next level for the Maple Leafs. Keep your eyes peeled, because Akhtyamov is coming.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pension Plan Puppets.
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