Maple Leafs Have Hidden Goalie Gem In Europe
The Maple Leafs have a strong goaltending unit this season. With Ilya Samsonov, the young Joseph Woll, and the veteran Martin Jones, they're in a position to win a lot of games this season.
However, there's another goalie in the organization who could be a part of the Leafs' future.
The Maple Leafs Could Have a Hidden Gem in Russia
Artur Akhtyamov was drafted in 2020 by the Maple Leafs. Earlier this summer, he signed his entry-level contract with Toronto and was loaned to the KHL, where he should see more action than in Toronto.
He recently made headlines after he earned the title of Player of the Game!
Akhtyamov will probably join the Leafs next season!
Exploring the Leafs' Future Between the Posts
With Akhtyamov coming up, the Leafs suddenly have many talented goalies available.
Samsonov signed a one-year deal through arbitration this summer. If he performs well this season, he will be in a great position to ask for a significant raise from his current $3,550,000 deal.
If that happens, the Leafs will have decisions to make: either keep him at all costs or trade him at the deadline for a possibly high return. The trade scenario isn't ideal, but if they feel they won't reach common ground for an extension, it could happen.
Woll has two years left on his three-year contract and is definitely a huge part of the Leafs' plan. He's projected to become a great goalie in the NHL, and Brad Treliving will certainly want to keep him as long as possible. If Samsonov ends up leaving, Woll and Akhtyamov would make a great pair.
As for Martin Jones, who showed on Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens that he can be a difference-maker, he signed a one-year contract this summer. He shouldn't play many games this season unless an injury strikes the Leafs' main tandem.
At 33, the Leafs probably won't include him in their long-term plans to make space for the young talents. However, a player like him could be great in helping develop the younger guys.
What do you think will happen? Let us know in the comments!
| POLL | ||
Who do you think will be better? | ||
| Woll | 347 | 69.8 % |
| Akhtyamov | 150 | 30.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
