Akhtyamov, de The Maple Leafs’ 2020 fourth-round pick has played in 21 games with the Marlies this season, compiling a 13-7-1 record with an .898 save percentage, while his 13 wins rank fourth among all AHL goaltenders.
The 24-year-old has been called up twice this season by the Maple Leafs, who have dealt with injuries to both Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll. Akhtyamov was originally called up on November 13 and then reassigned on November 14 without appearing in a game.
Speaking after Akhtyamov’s debut, Woll expressed his confidence in the belief he has in Akhtyamov’s ability in net.
Marlies head coach John Gruden expressed a similar sentiment as Woll in his conversation with the media on Thursday after practice.
“We know how important he has been to our group, it’s nice that he is rewarded,” Gruden said of Akhtyamov. “He improves every day, he comes to work every day and prepares himself physically and mentally.”
Akhtyamov will mark the fourth straight year a Marlies goaltender has been selected for the All-Star Classic. In 2023, Woll was named to the North Division team, after which Hildeby was selected to represent the Marlies during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
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