Artur Akhtyamov, G
DOB: 10-31-2001
Drafted: Fourth round, 106th overall, 2020
Last team: Neftyanik Almetievsk (VHL)
Artur Akhtyamov is one of three Russian prospects that fall in the risers category.
Originally drafted in the fourth round in 2020, Akhtyamov has made steady improvements each season since his draft year.
This past season he played his sophmore year in second-tier Russian pro level, the VHL for Neftyanik Almetievsk. There, he held a 20-12-6 record with a league leading .943% save percentage (SV%) in 39 games.
On July 1st, he signed his three-year entry-level contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs and after coming over for development camp a few weeks ago, it was announced he would return to Russia this upcoming year.
There he should continue to impress and may find himself as the third string netminder in Ak Bars Kazan’s system.
If this is the case, he should be able to get a shot at some KHL playing time. He plays an exciting and aggressive style, pulling off highlight reel saves. Now that he has signed his ELC, he will hopefully come over to North America over the next couple years where he can develop with the Marlies or Growlers.