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Maple Leafs return to unusual goaltending strategy

The Toronto Maple Leafs are focusing a whole lot on not getting their goalies too banged up.

Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 5:48 PM
Maple Leafs return to unusual goaltending strategy
Key Things to Know
  • The Toronto Maple Leafs recalled goaltender Artur Akhtyamov to back up both games of a back-to-back set.
  • Akhtyamov will serve as the backup against both the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils.
  • Toronto previously used the three-goalie strategy in October to manage Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz.
The Story in 60 Seconds

The Toronto Maple Leafs have reportedly recalled 24-year-old goaltender Artur Akhtyamov from the Toronto Marlies to serve as the backup for both games of a back-to-back set against the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils. Toronto previously utilized this three-goalie rotation in October to help manage the workload of Sergei Bobrovsky and Anthony Stolarz.

According to writer Thomas Williams, the strategy serves as a preventative measure to keep the primary goaltenders fresh and prevent fatigue. The Maple Leafs face a challenging upcoming schedule that includes consecutive games next week against the Colorado Avalanche, Minnesota Wild, and Edmonton Oilers.

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