Maple Leafs Top Prospect Suddenly Drawing Comparisons to Future Hall of Fame Goalie

Though he's had his bumps, Leafs prospect Artur Akhtyamov has recently been compared to one of the NHL's best according to a former teammate.

It's taken a long time but the Toronto Maple Leafs finally have some respectable goaltending prospects (that they didn't trade away -- a la Tuukka Rask) and with Joseph Woll already coming into his own, the future is bright.

Dennis Hildeby is going to be at the very least a solid and consistent starter once he gets more comfortable, and Artur Akhtyamov has taken his international experience and translated it into a successful rookie campaign.

It's the latter however that gives Toronto Marlies forward Kyle Clifford a serious case of deja vu when it comes to Akhtyamov -- he reminds him of Jonathan Quick.

That's some pretty high praise for the young goalie, but let's take a look at Akhtyamov's rise through the AHL ranks.

It's safe to say that Akhtyamov has adjusted well to the North American game this year.

In his rookie year he is 10-4-3 with a 2.66 GAA and .904 SV% to go along with two shutouts as well.

Kyle Clifford has been impressed so far, and the veteran forward revealed that Akhtyamov reminds him of former teammate Jonathan Quick:

Quite the commendation from Clifford, as there's no doubt Quick has been one of the best over the last decade-plus and has built a Hall of Fame career for himself.

In 798 games, Quick has a 401-288-88 record to go with a 2.49 GAA and .911 SV% to go along with two Stanley Cups, two Jennings Trophies, and was the 2011-2012 Conn Smythe Winner.

If Akhtyamov can reach even half of that, it will go down as a solid career. His speed and reflexes are top notch, and according to fellow goalie Dennis Hildeby -- it's why he's been successful:

A lot of that can be credited to his play in the KHL before coming over to Toronto. Being able to play against professional players in arguably the second-biggest pro hockey league in the world -- it builds confidence.

While it may be awhile before we see Akhtyamov in a Maple Leafs jersey, it's a fantastic sign to see him progressing so quickly. If he reminds Clifford of Jonathan Quick -- Who's to say he can't be just as good?

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