Maple Leafs Recall Artur Akhtyamov After Joseph Woll Placed on Injured Reserve

The Maple Leafs announced Friday morning that they have recalled goaltender Artur Akhtyamov from the Toronto Marlies (AHL), while Joseph Woll has been placed on injured reserve retroactive to December 4. Woll suffered a lower-body injury on Thursday night and did not return for the third period. The team made the move official through its communications department:

View the official Leafs PR announcement →

Akhtyamov, 24, has been one of the Marlies’ most consistent performers this season. Drafted 106th overall in 2020, the Russian netminder has shown steady growth in his first full North American campaign. With Anthony Stolarz still unavailable, Toronto required immediate depth support behind Dennis Hildeby. Akhtyamov now slots into the backup role for the foreseeable future.

Woll’s injury comes at a difficult time for a Leafs team that has recently begun tightening its defensive structure. With no timetable yet confirmed, the Leafs’ goaltending situation shifts as follows:

— Dennis Hildeby: expected starter
— Artur Akhtyamov: recalled backup

The Leafs relied heavily on Woll early this season, and his placement on IR places added pressure on the team’s young tandem.

Toronto will monitor Woll’s recovery and Stolarz’s status closely in the coming days. For now, the club will evaluate Akhtyamov in practice and determine whether he may be required for game action. The Leafs’ goaltending depth will be tested again — and how they navigate this stretch could influence their momentum heading into the next part of the schedule.