Leafs' Artur Akhtyamov Pushes Underdog Marlies Into AHL's Final Four: 'We've Got A Great Ace In The Hole'

Four teams remain in the AHL playoffs, and the biggest underdog is Toronto.

The Marlies finished 15th in league standings but have put together a sizzling run in the post-season, establishing an AHL record by winning three straight series-deciding games.

The latest triumph came in their elimination of Cleveland, when Easton Cowan scored with 12 seconds remaining to put the Marlies over the Monsters 3-2.

But Toronto doesn't get to this point without goaltender Artur Akhtyamov.

Toronto Maple Leafs Should Consider Trading Joseph Woll Instead Of Another Goalie

Toronto Maple Leafs goalie Joseph Woll's struggles at the World Championship have sparked concerns. With a logjam in Toronto's crease, new Leafs GM John Chayka must decide who to move.

New Maple Leafs GM John Chayka must be enjoying this, too.

Although the Marlies are a veteran squad, the fact that Akhtyamov and Hildeby look to have NHL futures is great for a franchise that needs to make some moves. Many NHL teams need goaltending for next season, and with Anthony Stolarz and Joseph Woll also proving their bona fides when healthy, the depth at that position could help Chayka acquire pieces elsewhere in the lineup to bolster Toronto.

In the meantime, the Marlies move on to play the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.

The Baby Pens finished third overall in the AHL and have home-ice advantage. But as the Marlies have proven so far, anything is possible in these Calder Cup playoffs.

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This story was originally published May 25, 2026 at 3:44 PM.