The Toronto Maple Leafs just confirmed they're bringing in goaltender Artur Akhtyamov for a back-to-back against Montreal and New Jersey.
It's a quiet move on paper, but not a meaningless one. The 25-year-old was a fourth-round pick of the Leafs in 2020, 106th overall, and he has three NHL games to his name. He hasn't played one this season.
Toronto's crease has already had its share of attention. Sergei Bobrovsky has 11 games played this season and Anthony Stolarz has six, so neither has run away with the job.
Elvis Merzlikins is listed on injured reserve with a shoulder issue, expected to be out until at least Mar 30 according to the latest injury report. That leaves the Leafs thin on bodies once you start counting.
The schedule isn't doing them any favors. Tonight the Leafs host a Canadiens team that is 10-3-3, sixth in the NHL and second in the Atlantic Division, with a 7-1-2 record over its last 10.
Then comes a Devils team that is 11-5-0 and has won three straight. Two good opponents, back to back, and not much room to hide a weak night in net.
What Akhtyamov's arrival says about the Leafs crease
The team hasn't said who starts in either game, and Akhtyamov may never see the ice this weekend. But you don't add a third goalie to a back-to-back by accident, and the Leafs clearly want an extra option on hand.
Tavares is also back, adding to the lineup shuffle. John Tavares returning against Montreal after missing nine games puts him on the top power-play unit. He has seven points in seven games this season, and the Leafs have missed that kind of production.
Gavin McKenna moves down to the second unit as a result. McKenna's response to the power-play demotion was candid, and the 18-year-old has three power-play goals of his own this season, so it's a demotion that carries real weight.
My view: if Akhtyamov does get a start, it should come against New Jersey, not against a Montreal team that's been rolling. Asking a goalie with three career games to open against the Canadiens is a lot.
Puck drop for the Canadiens comes tonight, and whoever lines up in net against the Devils next will say plenty about how Toronto sees its goaltending.
Quick hits
BUFFALO SABRES: Jack Rathbone cleared waivers, PuckPedia reports, so no team claimed the defenseman.
That keeps him in the Sabres' organization for now, and it's a quiet outcome after the waiver wire drama.
-
NEW YORK RANGERS: The Rangers have placed goaltender James Reimer on unconditional waivers for the purpose of contract termination, according to PuckReportNHL.
That's a notable move in the crease, and one to watch.
-
ST. LOUIS BLUES: Lou Korac reports the Blues lineup is set in Nashville tonight, with Mason McTavish officially in.
A big addition for a team that wants to start strong on the road.
-
EDMONTON OILERS: Pro Hockey Rumors reports the Oilers placed Atro Leppanen on waivers, hours before tonight's game against the Canucks.
Timing is everything, and this one lands right before puck drop.
-
DALLAS STARS: Bruce LeVine reports Stars coach Glen Gulutzan confirmed Jake Oettinger starts in net tonight against San Jose.
No surprise there, and it gives Dallas its top option for the matchup.
-
Should the Maple Leafs give Artur Akhtyamov a start this weekend?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Tom Wilson gets tossed after a insane boarding hit on Sandis Vilmanis
