Posts

Posted on

The NHL’s Overtime Format Stinks — It’s Time for a Change

When the NHL introduced three-on-three overtime in 2015, the goal was clear: ignite excitement.

More open ice, faster pace, odd-man rushes, and sudden-death goals before a shootout — it was designed to inject unpredictability into the game. Initially, it delivered. Fans witnessed frantic, edge-of-your-seat action, with overtime periods often producing more drama than regulation itself.

Today, however, that chaos has taken an unexpected turn — and not for the better.

The current iteration of 3-on-3 overtime prioritizes possession over aggression. Teams rarely force plays; if an offensive opportunity isn’t immediate or obvious, the puck is frequently carried back to neutral ice or even returned to the defensive zone to reset. At times, the puck circles all the way back to the goaltender, creating a loop of cautious, low-risk play.

Enter, survey, retreat, reset — repeat.

The outcome is a slow, grinding version of sudden death that often feels more like keep-away than hockey.

A recent example illustrates the point perfectly: in the overtime matchup between the Columbus Blue Jackets and Philadelphia Flyers, the five-minute period produced only one shot on goal, despite the abundant open ice that should have encouraged end-to-end action. Both teams spent the majority of the session cycling through the neutral zone, seeking the “perfect” opportunity rather than creating one.

Trevor Zegras' reaction here is reminiscent to how most fans feel about the current format.
Trevor Zegras' reaction here is reminiscent to how most fans feel about the current format.

The strategy is simple: if the opponent never touches the puck, they cannot score. But while this approach may be defensible from a coaching perspective, it undermines the very spectacle that 3-on-3 overtime was intended to create. For fans — the lifeblood of the sport — it is increasingly viewed as stale and unengaging.

Since returning from the Olympic break, 265 NHL games have required overtime. Only 170 of those ended with an overtime goal, roughly 64 percent, leaving a growing number of contests decided in shootouts — a method even more polarizing for purists.

The Case for a Compromise

The current format is five minutes of 3-on-3, a structure that has grown stale and predictable. A potential solution would be to extend overtime to 10 minutes of 5-on-5 hockey. This approach would provide half a period of full-strength, authentic hockey before resorting to the shootout, blending skill, strategy, and excitement in a way that better reflects the sport.

Change for the format and do it for the fans. Credit: Ron Chenoy
Change for the format and do it for the fans. Credit: Ron Chenoy

Such a compromise could satisfy fans, preserve competitive integrity, and maintain the thrill that made the 3-on-3 experiment promising in the first place. Whether the league is willing to embrace it remains uncertain, but the need for a more engaging overtime format has never been clearer.

Three-on-three was intended to create drama. Today, it often puts you to sleep. 

Posted on

Grapefruit Juice: Mets 8, Blue Jays 1—Francisco Lindor makes first spring start

Mar 15, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) addresses the media at Clover Park on his first day back at spring training. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

The Mets beat the Blue Jays in a rain-shortened exhibition game this afternoon in Port St. Lucie, and the most important part of the whole thing was that Francisco Lindor played in his first Grapefruit League game since undergoing hand surgery at the very beginning of spring training. Lindor went 1-for-3 with a run scored and played shortstop.

As for everyone else, here’s a quick rundown.

  • Marcus Semien went 1-for-2 with a home run.
  • Bo Bichette went 1-for-2 with a double and an RBI.
  • Luis Robert went 2-for-2 with a run scored.
  • Brett Baty, who played first base in the game, joined Jorge Polanco and Francisco Alvarez in getting one hit in the game.
  • Mike Tauchman went 2-for-3 with a couple of runs scored.
  • Zach Thornton went three-and-two-thirds innings, gave up one run, struck out one, and didn’t walk anyone. It wouldn’t be surprising for him to be included in the next round of roster cuts following the ones the Mets made earlier today, but he’s acquitted himself nicely in his time in major league spring training.
  • Luke Weaver threw a scoreless inning, and Brooks Raley and a reliever named Dan Hammer each notched one out in their brief appearances.
Posted on

Game Thread: White Sox (13-9-1) at Royals (7-14)

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 16: Hagen Smith #33 of the Chicago White Sox pitches during the game between the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago White Sox at Camelback Ranch on Sunday, March 16, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona.
Hagen Smith, who’s had a rough go of Cactus League so far this spring, makes his last start for the big club on Sunday. | (Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images)

St. Patrick’s Day is just about upon us, or at least, the second of two parades is, which is where I hope many of you will be this afternoon instead of listening to a mid-level Spring Training baseball. That’s why I’m here!

Anyhow, the end of one of the more successful Spring Trainings (in terms of won-loss) in recent memory for the Sox is growing nearer and nearer, and the the lineups are beginning to resemble, if you squint, something that you might see hanging up in a Rate Field dugout a few weeks from now.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I would have put William Bergolla as remaining in big league camp this deep into the spring. I like it, as do I like Lamonte Wade Jr.‘s run at a backup roster spot. The odd one out there, of course, is Hagen Smith, who won’t be getting a turn on the roster in April. But depending on how he looks out there today, he could expedite that timeline quite rapidly.

In an expected development, Braden Montgomery’s Cinderella run at a roster spot breaking camp with the big club came to an end today, as he and catch Josh Breaux were reassigned to minors camp. Both will end up in Charlotte to start the season Breaux as backstop emergency and Montgomery as next-up in center field or right. The former first-rounder’s spring (.348/.348/.652 in 12 games) made a huge impression on White Sox brass and should speed his 2026 debut on the South Side.

Here’s how Kansas City is planning on lining them up behind ace Cole Ragans, who himself is looking to build up innings after an injury-riddled campaign in 2025.

First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. CT, and unfortunately, this one will only be accessible via Kansas City’s 96.5 FM The Fan radio broadcast.

Posted on

Spring Training Game Thread #21: Milwaukee Brewers (9-11) @ San Francisco Giants (15-6-1)

Feb 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Shane Drohan against the Chicago White Sox during a spring training game at American Family Fields of Phoenix. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Milwaukee snapped a four-game losing streak yesterday in an 8-4 win over the Colorado Rockies. Today’s game pits the Brewers against another NL West opponent, the San Francisco Giants.

Shane Drohan will get the start in what will be his fourth appearance of the spring. The 6’3” lefty has racked up 10 strikeouts over 8 2/3 innings pitched so far, allowing six hits and three runs. DL Hall, Easton McGee and Jacob Waguespack are also expected to pitch for Milwaukee. Waguespack, a non-roster invitee, hasn’t allowed a run over six relief appearances this spring. On the bump for San Francisco is veteran lefty Robbie Ray, who put up a 3.65 ERA in 32 appearances for the Giants last season.

Sal Frelick will lead off again today, followed by Jake Bauers, who has been absolutely crushing the ball this spring. Bauers is hitting .500 (11-for-22) with three homers coming into today’s game. Christian Yelich, Garrett Mitchell, and Luis Rengifo make up the heart of the order. Hitting sixth and playing shortstop is David Hamilton, who came over from Boston along with Drohan. Rounding out the bottom of the lineup are Blake Perkins, Reese McGuire, and Cooper Pratt (at second base today).

You can catch a radio broadcast of today’s game on ESPN Milwaukee. First pitch is at 3:05 p.m. CT.

Posted on

Brandon Williamson faces former club in battle for final rotation spot

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brandon Williamson (55) warms up with pitching coach/director of pitching Derek Johnson (36) at the Cincinnati Reds player development complex in Goodyear, Ariz., on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Brandon Williamson has looked the part so far this spring in Goodyear, the ‘part’ being a guy who was a former 2nd round draft pick and consensus Top 100 overall prospect. A full year off in 2025 while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery has apparently allowed his left arm – and left shoulder – to regain strength, and he’s tapping back into velocity that he’d not seen in years while eyeing a spot in the starting rotation of the Cincinnati Reds.

He’ll get a chance to stake another claim for a spot on the Opening Day roster on Sunday afternoon, and will do so in familiar territory over in Peoria. That’s because he’ll be facing the Seattle Mariners, the club who originally drafted him back in 2019 before shipping him to Cincinnati alongside Jake Fraley and Justin Dunn in the deal that sent current Cincinnati slugger Eugenio Suarez and Jesse Winker the other way back in 2022.

Sharing the mound with Williamson today will also be a former teammate of his, as George Kirby was Seattle’s 1st round pick back in the same draft where they took Williamson in the 2nd.

Sadly, there’s no TV feed for this one, so you’ll have to lean on Gameday and 700 WLW’s radio coverage to follow along.

Posted on

Spring Training Game Thread-XXIII- White Sox vs Royals

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 28: Cole Ragans #55 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Colorado Rockies at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Zach Gardner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Kansas City Royals continue to barrel toward Opening Day; however, they’ve been missing a lot of key guys. And no, that’s not because of injuries, it’s because they are tearing it up in the World Baseball Classic and most of them are in the semifinals. Here is some of those key Royals and how they’ve fared in the WBC.

Anyways, back in Arizona, the Royals are struggling to win games, but that doesn’t matter a great deal, it’s about getting looks at some younger guys and others fighting for an Opening Day roster spot, which some are getting a longer look because of guys away for the WBC.

Cole Ragans gets the start today for Kansas City against divisional foe, the Chicago White Sox. Starling Marte is the designated hitter today, and a lot of “regular” guys start behind Cole today.

First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. CT.

Posted on

Pistons vs. Ratpors Discussion: Game Time, TV, Odds, and More

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 25: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on November 25, 2024 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Ausar Thompson is back. Isaiah Stewart is out. Cautiously, I consider that a net positive, considering the strengths of the Toronto Raptors, who the Detroit Pistons are visiting today for a little Sunday afternoon basketball. The Raptors go as far as their wings allow them, and having one of the best wing defenders in the NBA back in the lineup in Ausar is nothing if not great news.

The Raptors are coming off a win against the Phoenix Suns, and, truth be told, it’s Toronto’s first win against a legitimately good team in a long while. January 25th, to be exact, when they shocked the Oklahoma City Thunder. Since then, their wins have been against the Jazz, Bulls, Pacers, Bulls again, Bucks, Wizards, and Mavericks. It’s important to beat the teams you are supposed to beat, but it leaves me at a bit of a loss on where to peg this Toronto team. The same can be said for the rebounding Pistons. Detroit had its first struggle sesh of the season, losing four straight, and they’ve bounced back in winning three in a row handily. Still, those wins were against the Nets, Sixers, and Grizzlies. I also don’t know if they’ve truly gotten back on the right track or if they just pounded some of the worst and/or most-injured teams in the NBA. In that sense, today’s game against the Raptors could be a great litmus test.

Game Vitals

When: 3:30 p.m. ET
Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Watch: FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
Odds: Pistons -4

Projected Lineups

Detroit Pistons (48-18)

Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, Ausar Thompson, Tobias Harris, Jalen Duren

Toronto Raptors (37-29)

Immanuel Quickley, Brandon Ingram, RJ Barrett, Scottie Barnes, Jakob Poetl

Posted on

JR Ritchie impresses in 1-0 victory over Philly

NORTH PORT, FL- FEBRUARY 22: JR Ritchie #92 of the Atlanta Braves pitches during a spring training game against the Minnesota Twins on February 22, 2026 at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Today’s recap is going to be a short and sweet, as this game was light on action and light on Braves’ roster candidates, as Jose Suarez got the start, to be followed by JR Ritchie.

Suarez looked pretty good by his standards, striking out 3, walking 2, and accruing 10 whiffs over 4.0+ scoreless innings and 61 pitches thrown. He allowed 4 batted balls over 95 MPH, two of which were ground balls. Overall a strong outing for Jose. Joel Payamps took over for Jose in the fifth after Jose gave up a leadoff single. After a bunt hit and a soft flyout, Payamps stuck out Marsh and Bohm to end the inning.

JR Ritchie entered the game in the sixth and hit Adolis Garcia to start his outing. Ritchie settled in after that, inducing a soft flyout and striking out two, ending the inning. He carried that momentum into the second inning, striking out the first two batters and ending the inning with a Trea Turner pop-out. It was more of the same for the last two innings, as Ritchie ended his outing with 4.0 no-hit innings with 6 strikeouts and just the one HBP as the lone baserunner, needing 52 pitches to get the job done. He worked with a large pitch mix, as is his norm and did so to devastating effect. That’s a really impressive outing for the Opening Day roster candidate and top prospect.

On the offensive side, the Braves’ quad-A lineup squandered a leadoff triple in the first and scattered a few baserunners but didn’t put up any runs against the Philly starter, Walker…or first reliever in Alvarado…or any other Philly pitcher until Tyler Tolve launched a solo homer in the ninth inning. Brett Wisely and Luke Williams each had two-hit days, which were also the only Braves hits outside of the Tolve homer. Luis Guanipa got a plate appearance in the ninth and struck out.

Join us again tomorrow as the Braves take on the Rays at 1:05 PM ET.

Posted on

Canadiens: Mister Saturday Night Sets New Career High

In the Montreal Canadiens’ defeat against the San Jose Sharks, Cole Caufield, who was back in the lineup after missing the previous game with an illness, scored his 38th goal of the season, a new personal best for the 25-year-old.

With 17 games to go in the season, it appears to be a foregone conclusion that he will be the Canadiens’ first 40-goal scorer since Vincent Damphousse achieved the feat in 1993-94. Back then, seasons had 84 games, a length that will return for the next campaign. If Caufield keeps scoring at the same pace, he should have 48 goals in 81 games (since he missed a game).

Canadiens: You Can’t Gamble Against Celebrini
Canadiens’ Prospects Dominate Lists Of Top Affiliated Prospects To Canadian Teams
Breaking: Gallagher Healthy Scratch For Canadiens In Game Against Sharks

Caufield is currently tied in second place for most goals in the league with Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprisov, trailing Nathan MacKinnon, who currently has 44 lamplighters, on his way to a first Rocket Richard trophy win.

This is the Wisconsin native’s sixth season with the Canadiens, and he’s made tremendous progress under Martin St. Louis' tutelage. When he was drafted, he was seen as a sniper, but nowadays he plays a much more complete game. The five-foot-eight winger is now much more defensively responsible and has such an active stick that he can often create his own scoring chances by picking defensemen’s pockets.

Despite his small stature, he is not afraid to go into traffic to get the puck and to attack the net in close. In his earlier years, he would stay on the perimeter, taking one-timers from the faceoff spot in the offensive zone. He can still do that, but he has learned to mix things up, making him less predictable for the defence corps. Caufield now has 65 points on the season, only five away from his personal best, a number he should easily beat if he keeps the same pace.

While it raised a few eyebrows last season when St-Louis took him out of “his office” on the power play to give that spot to Patrik Laine, it ended up being a formative experience for the youngster, and it helped him diversify his game.

Still, it feels like Caufield has yet to reach his ceiling, and it will be interesting to see where he goes from here. With a $7.85 million cap hit for the next five seasons, he will soon be seen as a complete steal for the Canadiens, just like he was as a fifteen overall pick back in the 2019 draft.

Follow Karine on X @KarineHains Bluesky @karinehains.bsky.social and Threads @karinehains.  

Image

Bookmark The Hockey News Canadiens' page for all the news and happenings around the Canadiens.

Join the discussion by signing up to the Canadiens' roundtable on The Hockey News.

Subscribe to The Hockey News at THN.com/free. Get the latest news and trending stories by subscribing to our newsletter here. 

Posted on

Mets make another round of spring training roster cuts

A.J. Ewing / | Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Mets have made another round of roster cuts in big league camp, as the following players have been sent to the minor league side:

  • Pitchers: Carl Edwards Jr., Joe Jacques, Ryan Lambert
  • Catcher: Kevin Parada
  • Infielders: Ryan Clifford, Jackson Cluff, Grae Kessinger, Jacob Reimer
  • Outfielders: Jihwan Bae, A.J. Ewing, Jose Ramos

The team notes that there are now 53 players in major league camp. With Opening Day set to take place just eleven days from now, more cuts are surely coming soon.

Of the ones that the Mets made today, none are particularly surprising. While A.J. Ewing has fared well in his time in major league spring training games, he figures to start the year in the upper minors, either by returning to Double-A Binghamton or starting the season with a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse.

Ryan Lambert was impressive in his brief stint in big league camp, too, but having struggled with walks in Binghamton last year—despite an outstanding 1.71 ERA in 42.0 innings there—it’s not shocking to see that the Mets might want him to get a bit more time in the upper minors before he makes his major league debut.

Even with players returning from the World Baseball Classic, some of the players who’ve been sent to minor league camp will get some appearances in the remainder of the Mets’ Grapefruit League games, as they’re all still eligible to do so.

Posted on

Predators vs Oilers Prediction, Picks & Odds for Tonight’s NHL Game

Want to get more Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account here.

A Western Conference clash between the Edmonton Oilers and Nashville Predators closes out tonight's NHL slate.

It's go time for Edmonton down the stretch, and it’s time for the captain to lead the charge. That's why Connor McDavid highlights my Predators vs. Oilers predictions and NHL picks below. 

Predators vs Oilers prediction

Predators vs Oilers best bet: Connor McDavid anytime goalscorer (+105)

Connor McDavid is revving up the engine as the stakes get higher down the final stretch run. 

The Edmonton Oilers captain has scored in two of his last three games and has a long history of tickling the twine against the Nashville Predators. 

He has 10 goals in his last 10 games against Nashville, including a hat trick in the January 6 meeting between the two clubs earlier this season.

Overall, Nashville has struggled in the defending and goaltending department all season long, sporting a 3.42 GAA this season to go with a lowly .896 team save percentage over their last five games.

Predators vs Oilers same-game parlay

Ill take Edmonton to go Over on their team total of 3.5. They’ve eclipsed that mark in six of nine games, and in four of the last six meetings against Nashville.

Lastly, I’ll add Over 0.5 assists for Evan Bouchard. The Oilers defenseman has an assist in seven of his last nine games, and leads all NHL blueliners with 74 points, 56 of which are assists.

Predators vs Oilers SGP

  • Connor McDavid anytime goalscorer
  • Evan Bouchard Over 0.5 assists
  • Oilers team total Over 3.5

Predators vs Oilers odds

  • Moneyline: Predators +150 | Oilers -175
  • Puck Line: Predators +1.5 (-150) | Oilers -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under: Over 6.5 | Under 6.5

Predators vs Oilers trend

The Oilers have won seven of their last 10 meetings against the Predators. Find more NHL betting trends for Predators vs. Oilers.

How to watch Predators vs Oilers

LocationRogers Place, Edmonton, Alberta
DateSunday, March 15, 2026
Puck drop8:00 p.m. ET
TVFDSN SO, SNW

Predators vs Oilers latest injuries

Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here and view our best betting sites or check out our top sportsbook promos.

Posted on

Spring Training GAME THREAD: Guardians vs. Athletics

TOKYO, JAPAN - MARCH 08: Stuart Fairchild #17 of Team Chinese Taipei celebrates after hitting a two run home run in the eighth inning during the 2026 World Baseball Classic Pool C game between Chinese Taipei and South Korea at Tokyo Dome on March 8, 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) | Getty Images

here’s the lineup:

Kwan LF

Arias SS

Jose 3B

DeLauter DH

Hoskins 1B

Fry C

Kayfus RF

Fairchild CF

Bazzana 2B

Bibee P

Posted on

Michael Lorenzen to start for Italy, Keider Montero for Venezuela in World Baseball Classic semifinals

MIAMI — Michael Lorenzen will start for Italy and Keider Montero for Venezuela when the teams meet Monday night in a World Baseball Classic semifinal.

A 34-year-old right-hander, Lorenzen pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings in the group stage 8-6 upset of the United States on Tuesday.

“I faced him many times,” said Italy manager Francisco Cervelli, a former big league catcher. “This is the perfect guy.”

Italy is in the semifinals for the first time of a tournament that started in 2006. Venezuela lost its only semifinal appearance, 10-2 to South Korea in 2009.

Lorenzen, an All-Star in 2023, was 7-11 with a 4.64 ERA in 26 starts and one relief appearances for Kansas City last year, then became a free agent and signed a one-year, $8 million contract with Colorado.

If Italy wins, Aaron Nola would be lined up to start Tuesday night’s final against the U.S. or the Dominican Republic.

Montero, a 25-year-old right-hander, pitched three scoreless innings of relief on Monday in a 4-0 first-round win over Nicaragua.

He made his big league debut on May 29, 2024, and was 5-3 with a 4.37 ERA in 12 starts and eight relief appearances last year for Detroit during a season in which he was optioned to Triple-A Toledo six times. Monero was 4-4 with a 5.91 ERA in eight starts and two relief appearances for the Mud Hens.

Montero had three postseason appearances last year and got a save in the AL Division Series opener, an 11-inning win over Cleveland.

Italy made a pair of roster moves ahead of the semifinal: Left-hander Joe Jacques replaced Dylan DeLucia, who threw 58 pitches in Saturday’s quarterfinal win over Puerto Rico and under pitch-count rules is ineligible to take the mound on Monday. Infielder Brayan Rocchio took the roster spot of Miles Mastrobuoni, who got hurt in the game against the U.S.

Posted on

Cavs vs. Mavs open gamethread

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 27: Max Strus #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots a half-court shot over Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks to defeat the Mavericks in the last second of the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 27, 2024, in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks 121-119. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers will look to make it two-straight wins over the Dallas Mavericks.

Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!

Join the conversation!

Sign up for a user account and get:

  • Fewer ads
  • Create community posts
  • Comment on articles, community posts
  • Rec comments, community posts
  • New, improved notifications system!

Go Cavs!

Posted on

Why The Maple Leafs Extended Goaltending Prospect Artur Akhtyamov

Toronto Maple Leafs goaltending prospect Artur Akhtyamov is sticking around for three more years.

The 24-year-old goaltender signed a three-year extension with the Maple Leafs on Sunday afternoon, worth $2.7 million. The contract's annual average value is $900,000.

Akhtyamov's extension, which will begin next season, will start as a two-way contract in 2026-27 before converting into a one-way deal for the final two years (2027-28 and 2028-29).

The Kazan, Russia-born goaltender was a fourth-round (106th overall) pick from Toronto in the 2020 NHL Draft. He's playing in his second full season of pro hockey in North America, since coming over from Russia in 2024.

In his first season with the AHL's Toronto Marlies, Akhtyamov picked up 11 wins and a .901 save percentage through 26 games, playing mostly behind fellow goaltending prospect Dennis Hildeby.

Entering this season, Akhtyamov was focused on building off what was a successful first year in the AHL.

"I need to work, and we'll see. My work is to stop the puck," Akhtyamov said before the season last September. "I hope I will sign a new contract with the Maple Leafs."

Through 32 games this season, he's tallied 18 wins and a .904 save percentage, while also being named an AHL All-Star earlier this year. Akhtyamov hasn't had a regulation loss at home since Nov. 26, going 8-0-1 in that span.

'My Work Is To Stop The Puck': Maple Leafs Prospect Artur Akhtyamov Eager To Follow In The Footsteps Of Dennis Hildeby Last Season'My Work Is To Stop The Puck': Maple Leafs Prospect Artur Akhtyamov Eager To Follow In The Footsteps Of Dennis Hildeby Last Season<a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/hes-still-young-but-man-hes-not-afraid-of-the-moment-maple-leafs-prospect-artur-akhtyamov-is-stealing-the-show-with-the-marlies">Artur Akhtyamov</a> is excited for another year in Toronto despite being far from home.

Akhtyamov also made his NHL debut on Dec. 13 against the Edmonton Oilers, coming in for the relief of Hildeby. Akhtyamov stopped all five shots he faced in the game, despite the 6-3 loss. He dressed as a backup for the Maple Leafs in five games this season.

In 58 career games with the Marlies, the goaltender has a 29-18-8 record, four shutouts, and a .903 save percentage.

It appears the Maple Leafs think very highly of both Hildeby and Akhtyamov. Hildeby signed a similar deal to Akhtyamov's last September. What's different about Hildeby's contract is that it's a two-way deal for the first two years, turning into a one-way contract in the final year.

"It's really good. He's a really good partner," Akhtyamov said of Hildeby in September. "I'm happy he's staying here, and we work together again."

Both appear to be almost ready to challenge for a roster spot with the Maple Leafs, and likely will in training camp next fall.

Toronto now has four goaltenders — Joseph Woll, Anthony Stolarz, Hildeby, and Akhtyamov — under NHL contract until 2028. Woll will be an unrestricted free agent in 2028, while Hildeby will be a restricted free agent.

Stolarz and Akhtaymov's deals run until 2029. Both goaltenders will be UFAs when their contracts expire.