Maple Leafs Rookie Goaltender Akhtyamov Poised for NHL Debut Amid Injuries
A forgettable loss to the Washington Capitals has set the stage for a memorable night for several new Toronto Maple Leafs players on Long Island. With injuries piling up, the team is turning to its prospects for crucial support.
Injuries Force Roster Shakeup
Russian goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, whose only NHL experience came in a brief relief appearance on December 13, 2025, could be called into action. This follows a serious lower-body injury to Anthony Stolarz during Toronto's 4-0 defeat to the Capitals. Stolarz needed assistance leaving the ice less than three minutes into the game after something "popped" during a left pad save.
Additionally, one or two other Toronto Marlies players might make their NHL debuts on Thursday against the Islanders. Forward Luke Haymes is scheduled to join the lineup in a pre-planned move after Bo Groulx exhausted his NHL eligibility and must return to the AHL to avoid waivers. Defenceman William Villeneuve, who practiced with the Leafs this week, is also traveling to New York.
Both Haymes and Villeneuve were briefly reassigned to help the Marlies secure a playoff spot by defeating Utica before rejoining the Leafs. The injury list extended beyond Stolarz, with defenceman Brandon Carlo (lower body) missing the third period and winger Dakota Joshua (upper body) exiting early.
Coach's Perspective on Newcomers
Leafs head coach expressed enthusiasm about the incoming players. "I'm excited to see these guys," he said regarding the Marlies call-ups. "Haymes was coming up anyway, and I wanted to see Akhtyamov. He backed up a couple of times this year and played well down there with a .903 save percentage in the AHL. He's got a great personality and he's competitive as hell."
Akhtyamov, nicknamed 'Double A,' would become the third Leafs-drafted goaltender to play this season, joining Joseph Woll and current Marlie Dennis Hildeby.
Woll Steps Up Amid Uncertainty
If Stolarz is sidelined long-term—pending medical imaging on Thursday—Joseph Woll could handle the final three games after the Islanders matchup. Woll entered Wednesday's game cold, making 14 saves, but the playoff-hungry Capitals overwhelmed the eliminated Leafs. Woll has conceded 10 goals over the past two games, yet his primary concern remains Stolarz's condition.
"He's a tough dude. When he went down, it didn't look great, so the first thing is you're worried for him. Then it's get ready to go," Woll remarked. This marked the second time since March 21 in Ottawa that Woll was unexpectedly thrust into action early, following an incident where William Nylander struck Stolarz in the throat with a warm-up puck.
"It's a little better that he enters earlier in a game, but in any case, it's not ideal," Woll added, highlighting the challenges of sudden substitutions.
Defensive Contributions Under Scrutiny
The Leafs' defence has faced criticism for its performance in the defensive zone but has attempted to generate offense. In Wednesday's low-event game, defencemen accounted for seven of Toronto's 20 shots and 10 attempts. However, as Simon Benoit noted—still scoreless in 69 games despite opportunities—they lack the finishing touch of legendary players like Salming or Kaberle.
"We try to help our forwards if we can jump in. Every team does it, and we need to be contributing as well," Benoit explained. With Auston Matthews absent and players like Bobby McMann traded, the forwards require additional support from the blue line.
Coach Berube acknowledged their efforts, stating, "We always talk about them getting up in the play and creating. I thought they did a good job tonight. It's a huge part of the game today."
As the Leafs navigate these injuries, the upcoming game against the Islanders offers a glimpse into the team's future, with rookies like Akhtyamov ready to seize their NHL moment.
