AHL Notes: Akhtiamov, Empey, Callin

Sporting a solid goaltending trio of Joseph Woll, Erik Kallgren, and Keith Petruzzelli, last season, there were some soft expectations that goaltender Artur Akhtyamov would be making the move to North America to join the Toronto Marlies. Drafted in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft, Akhtyamov impressed in the VHL last season, leading the Toronto Maple Leafs to sign the young goalie to a three-year, $2.55MM entry-level contract.

Instead, it appears that Toronto believes that Akhtyamov could use more seasoning overseas, and will be spending the 2023-24 season on loan with Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League (Tweet Link). There will be a lot of pressure on Akhtyamov to join Ak Bars, as they recently won the regular season title of top team in the league’s Eastern Conference, and made it to Game Seven of the Gagarin Cup Finals.

Playing for Neftyanik Almetievsk of the VHL last season, Akhtyamov accrued a 20-12-6 record, posting a .943 SV% and a 1.74 GAA in 39 games. He also managed to play in six Petrov Cup playoff games, managing a .952 SV% and a 1.53 GAA. With seemingly nothing left to prove in the minor league levels in Russia, the Maple Leafs are hoping that Akhtyamov can build on his recent success, and become an option for them in the net shortly.

Other notes:

• Playing primarily with the Tucson Roadrunners for the last several seasons, veteran forward Tyson Empey will be making the move to Pennsylvania (Link). Now joining the Hershey Bears of the AHL, Empey will now become a part of their repeat effort for the Calder Cup next season. Playing in 79 games across two years in the Arizona Coyotes system, Empey has four goals and 11 assists all time, but has also accrued 127 PIMs in that time as well. Taking into account his play in the AHL over his career, it is reasonable to assume Empey will be lower on the depth chart in Hershey and may see himself become an extra forward altogether.
• The Springfield Thunderbirds (St.Louis Blues AHL affiliate) announced today they have re-signed Drew Callin for the 2023-24 AHL season. Last year, Callin became a serviceable depth piece for the Thunderbirds, scoring eight goals and nine points in 67 games played. He did manage one pointless playoff game, as Springfield was quickly ousted by the Hartford Wolf Pack in the First Round of the 2023 Calder Cup playoffs. A long-time veteran of the ECHL, Callin will now continue his career with the only AHL team he has ever known.