Maple Leafs Sign Goaltending Prospect Artur Akhtyamov to Three-Year Extension

In a move that underscores their commitment to developing young talent, the Toronto Maple Leafs have signed goaltending prospect Artur Akhtyamov to a three-year contract extension worth $2.7 million. The announcement came on Sunday afternoon, with the deal featuring an annual average value of $900,000.

Starting next season, Akhtyamov’s extension will initially be a two-way contract in 2026-27 before transitioning to a one-way deal for the final two years, covering the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons. This strategic move reflects the Maple Leafs’ confidence in the 24-year-old goaltender, who was drafted in the fourth round (106th overall) by Toronto in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Akhtyamov has been making a name for himself in North America, playing his second full season of professional hockey after arriving from Russia in 2024. In his debut season with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies, he achieved 11 wins and a .901 save percentage over 26 games, primarily serving as a backup to fellow goaltending prospect Dennis Hildeby.

As he entered this season, Akhtyamov was determined to build on his previous success. “I need to work, and we’ll see. My work is to stop the puck,” he expressed before the season commenced in September. His hard work has paid off; through 32 games this season, he has notched 18 wins and improved his save percentage to .904, also earning AHL All-Star honors earlier this year.

Remarkably, Akhtyamov has not suffered a regulation loss at home since November 26, boasting an impressive record of 8-0-1 during that stretch. He also made his NHL debut on December 13 against the Edmonton Oilers, stepping in for Hildeby and stopping all five shots he faced, despite the team ultimately losing 6-3. This season, he has dressed as a backup for the Maple Leafs in five games.

In his 58 career games with the Marlies, Akhtyamov holds a record of 29-18-8, including four shutouts and a .903 save percentage. The Maple Leafs clearly hold both Akhtyamov and Hildeby in high regard, as Hildeby signed a similar deal last September, although his contract varies as a two-way deal for the first two years before becoming one-way in the final year.

Reflecting on his partnership with Hildeby, Akhtyamov shared, “It’s really good. He’s a really good partner. I’m happy he’s staying here, and we work together again.” Both goaltenders are poised to compete for a roster spot with the Maple Leafs in training camp next fall.

With the signing of Akhtyamov, Toronto now has four goaltenders—Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, Hildeby, and Akhtyamov—under NHL contracts extending until 2028. Woll will become an unrestricted free agent in 2028, while Hildeby will be a restricted free agent. The contracts for Stolarz and Akhtyamov run through 2029, with both set to become unrestricted free agents upon their expiration.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.