Toronto Maple Leafs Notable 2020 Draft Pick Update

Artur Akhtyamov

Age: 19

H/W:  6’1″/157 lbs

POS:  G

Current Team: Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)

Drafted: 106th Overall (Round 4) 2020 NHL Entry Draft

There has been a history over the last few years of Russia be a goalie pumping machine for the NHL. Notable names including Andrei Vasilevsky, Igor Shestyorkin, Ilya Samsonov, and Alexandar Georgiev. Akhtyamov, although undersized has great potential to come through the ranks as one of the next top Russian Goaltenders.

At the young ripe age of 19, Akhtyamov has already competed in the best league in Russia, the KHL. In 3 games in the KHL with Ak Bars Kazan, he recorded a SV% of .904 and a GAA of 2.90 with a record of 0-1-1.

Akhtyamov has also competed in the top two junior leagues in Russia this season, the VHL, and the MHL. In the VHL, Akhtyamov in 6 games has maintained a .940 SV% and a sub 1.30 GAA with a record of 3-1-2. Then in the MHL in 3 games has maintained a .926 SV% and sub 1.67 GAA with a 3-0-0 record.

Through this highlight package, you can see although small, Akhtyamov has the reflexes to react to any puck and then quickly transition to making the second chance save. He still has some work to do on his rebound control, but his positioning and reaction time is there.

Along with fellow Leafs prospect Rodion Amirov, Akhtyamov went with the Russian national team to compete in the Karjala Cup where he served as a backup to Nashville’s 11th overall pick, Yaroslav Askarov.

Unfortunately playing behind a goalie as talented as Askarov, Akhtyamov was not given the chance to play in the tournament. Regardless of not playing, it is still apparent that Akhtyamov is held in high regard as a young Russian Goaltender and has lots of potential.

Along with everyone else on this list, Akhtyamov will have a pretty decent shot at making Russia’s U20 team for the WJC in December, but it’s likely he would still be playing behind Askarov.