Maple Leafs Unveil Plans for Their Two Emerging Goaltenders
Both will Continue to Develop in Russia.
Artur Akhtyamov and Vyacheslav Peksa will head back to Russia next season, per Hockey News contributor Nick Barden:
Artur Akhtyamov
Akhtyamov is a 21-year old native of Kazan, Russia. He was selected in the 4th round, 106th overall in the 2020 draft by the Maple Leafs. Akhtyamov played his draft year for "Irbis Kazan", a team in the MHL which is a Russian junior league.
He posted an astonishing 1.80 goals against average and a .931 save percentage in 46 games. Last season, he suited up for Neftyanik Almetievsk of the VHL and in 39 appearances, notched a 1.74 goals against average and a .943 save percentage.
Vyacheslav Peksa
Peska is a 20-year old 6th round, 185th overall draft pick of the Maple Leafs out of Magnitogorsk, Russia. Peska also played his draft year for "Irbis Kazan".
He posted a 2.57 GAA and .909 save percentage in 17 games.
Since then, he has moved up to the Russian second league, playing for the Bars Kazan of the VHL. In 40 games played, he posted a 2.34 goals against average and a .921 save percentage.
As seen on Maple Leafs Daily:
Leafs reveal plans for two young goaltenders this season
| POLL | ||
Should the Leafs keep these young goalie prospects in North America? | ||
| Yes- Play in the teams farm system | 902 | 70.5 % |
| No- Continue to develop back home | 378 | 29.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
