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Maple Leafs Sign Goaltending Prospect and Three Others to Two-Way Contracts

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Maple Leafs
By Nick Barden | Last updated 7/1/23

Toronto inked a few big names on Saturday, like Ryan Reaves and John Klingberg, but they've also brought in a few smaller names.

The Maple Leafs have signed goaltending prospect, Artur Akhtyamov, as well as defensemen Marshall Rifai, William Lagesson, and Max Lajoie.

Akhtyamov, who's only 21 years old, signed a three-year, two-way entry-level contract with Toronto that carries an AAV of $851,667.

He spent last season in the VHL with Neftyanik Almetievsk, posting a 20-12-6 record and a .943 save percentage. The 21-year-old finished with the top save percentage in the league, plus he was awarded the Goaltender of the Month award in both November and December.

Akhtyamov was drafted by the Maple Leafs in the fourth round of the 2020 NHL Draft.

Marshall Rifai, who spent last season with the Toronto Marlies, was also inked to a deal. The 25-year-old defenseman signed a two-year, two-way contract that carries an AAV of $775,000.

Rifai turned pro last year, signing an AHL deal with the Marlies, after three seasons at Harvard University. He's taken a number of steps since going pro almost one year ago.

William Lagesson, who was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the fourth round of the 2014 NHL Draft, signed a one-year, two-way contract with Toronto worth $775,000.

The 27-year-old defenseman appeared in only three NHL games last season but spent the majority of the year with the AHL's Chicago Wolves. In 65 games, Lagesson scored 10 goals and added 22 assists.

Max Lajoie, who the Maple Leafs also signed on Saturday, was drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the fifth round of the 2016 NHL Draft.

The 25-year-old defenseman, similar to Lagesson, signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Maple Leafs that carries an AAV of $775,000.

Lajoie only played in three NHL games last year, with the Carolina Hurricanes, but also spent time with the Wolves in the AHL, scoring 11 goals and 34 assists in 63 games.

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This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Maple Leafs and was syndicated with permission.

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