Maple Leafs Recall Akhtyamov as Laughton Lands on Injured Reserve

The Toronto Maple Leafs are facing challenges in their goaltending situation following a series of injuries. On Thursday, the team announced the recall of goalie Artur Akhtyamov from the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. This decision comes just two days after fellow netminder Anthony Stolarz exited a game with an upper-body injury.

In a simultaneous move, the Maple Leafs placed forward Scott Laughton on injured reserve, effective retroactively from November 8, 2023. If Akhtyamov takes to the ice for the Maple Leafs, it will mark his debut in the NHL. The 24-year-old Russian has participated in six games for the Marlies this season, achieving an .894 save percentage and a 2.82 goals-against average (GAA). Last season, his first in North America, he recorded a .901 save percentage and a 2.81 GAA over 26 games.

The Maple Leafs selected Akhtyamov in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, with the 126th overall pick. His recall signifies the team’s need for fresh talent in goal, especially as Stolarz has struggled with a .884 save percentage and a 3.51 GAA, having started 13 of Toronto’s 16 games this season.

Meanwhile, Joseph Woll, another goaltender in the Maple Leafs’ roster, made his first full start of the season in the AHL on Wednesday. Woll had been absent at the start of the campaign due to a personal leave of absence and is now working to return to the NHL club.

The Maple Leafs’ situation has become increasingly precarious, particularly with Laughton sidelined. The 31-year-old forward missed the last two games after sustaining an upper-body injury during a match against the Boston Bruins. This injury occurred in just his second game of the season, following a prior injury that had kept him out at the start of the season.

As the Maple Leafs prepare to face the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday, fans will be watching closely to see how the team manages their roster amid these challenges. The puck is set to drop at 19:00 ET / 16:00 PT, with the game available for viewing on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+.