NHL Analyst Names Two Untouchable Leafs Prospects Crucial to Future Success

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Chris Gerics
November 27, 2024 (8:41)

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NHL analyst and staff writer for The Athletic Joshua Kloke believes that the Toronto Maple Leafs need to keep onto two key prospects or risk failure.

The Maple Leafs tend to have some rough luck when it comes to goaltending, as either they trade away their top prospects or end up getting inconsistent goaltending and relying on journeymen vets to help.

Some goalies over the years for the Maple Leafs include:

- Erik Källgren

- Michael Hutchinson

- Garrett Sparks

- Petr Mrazek

It's not a list of names that jump out on the page and Toronto has tried rookies, and veterans, and even called up University of Toronto goaltender Jett Alexander for one game.

But the past couple of seasons have seen a complete turnaround not only for the Maple Leafs but their farm system as well.

Joseph Woll emerged as an everyday starter, meanwhile,

Dennis Hildeby already made his debut and Artur Ahktyamov is waiting in the wings.

It's the latter two that have Leafs fans excited for the future, as not only do they have two great prospects but they look like locks to be elite goaltenders in the NHL.

So it's important Toronto keeps hold of them and not dangle them as a trade chip, as The Athletic's Joshua Kloke states.

Speaking on The Real Kyper and Bourne Podcast, Kloke gave his thoughts on whether Toronto should use their young prospects as a bargaining option come trade time:

"The guy you wanna move might be Matt Murray. He's more proven, and he's a guy who can rock a solid number two and he's the number three in the organization. I don't see why you'd ever move those guys."

He goes on to talk about how the Leafs' goaltending prospects previously weren't so strong and how tough it was for Toronto to get what they have today:

"We've seen for generations how hard for the Leafs to find goaltending. Why are you so eager to get rid of them?"

He was also quick to praise Ahktyamov and thinks he's potentially closer than we anticipate:

"Ahktyamov in particular; he's 7 games into his AHL career. He already has two shutouts, his glove hand is NHL-ready and the Leafs have done such a good job of finding goalies who are level...find boring goalies."

Toronto's Dennis Hildeby and Artur Ahkytamov

Both goaltenders have come into Toronto and been stars so far for the Marlies. Playing in fewer games this year, Hildeby has a 2-0-2 record with a 2.40 GAA and .910 SV% and won his NHL debut earlier this season.

Hildeby struggled in his second career NHL game and was sent back down when Joseph Woll returned from injury.

Drafted 122nd overall by Toronto in 2022, Hildeby is nicknamed the 'Hildebeast' for a reason; he stands 6'7 and can use his giant wingspan to make incredible saves like these.

On the other side, Ahktyamov is a bit shorter than Hildeby; but still makes opponents look foolish.

Plus it's great to see a goaltender with such passion and excitement when he makes a big save too.

Ahktyamov has been on fire to start his North American career; going 6-0-1 to start with a miniscule 1.68 GAA and .935 SV% and showing Toronto his seasoning in the KHL paid off.

Initially needing to adjust to the difference in the two styles of hockey, Ahktyamov has adjusted so well that he's turning heads, and his head coach certainly admires his skillset:

«No moment is too big for him. He's done a really nice job at acclimating himself to the traffic and doing the things he needs to do [to have success].»

It's a great sign for Toronto's future that they have not only one, but two potentially elite goaltenders that could very well lead the Maple Leafs' future core of prospects like Fraser Minten, Easton Cowan, and Ben Danford to the Stanley Cup when the old guard moves on.

FAQ: Toronto Can't Trade Their Two Top Goalie Prospects

Q1: Why can't Toronto trade their two prospect goalies?

A1: Toronto can't trade either of their two prospect goalies because, for the first time in a long time, Toronto has two potentially elite goaltenders in their system and can't afford to trade them as they have in the past, such as with Tuukka Rask.

Q2: Who will be Toronto's goalie of the future?

A2: It's hard to say. If you are talking about the next couple of seasons? More than likely it will be Joseph Woll and potentially Anthony Stolarz still, but in the next 5-6 years there is an increased likelihood we see either Hildeby, Ahktyamov, or both get a roster spot and bring forth the new generation of Maple Leafs.

In closing, for the first time in a long time, it seems the Toronto Maple Leafs have the potential to have not one, but two elite goaltenders between the pipes for the next decade-plus.

The only thing they need to do is hold onto them or risk another disastrous outcome.