Maple Leafs recall Artur Akhtyamov, Vinni Lettieri while William Nylander missing skate with illness

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The Maple Leafs on Monday recalled goaltender Artur Akhtyamov and forward Vinni Lettieri from the Toronto Marlies.

Also, the Leafs said on Monday morning that William Nylander will not take part in the morning skate at Scotiabank Arena because of illness.

The addition of Lettieri was expected, as it was confirmed on Sunday afternoon.

The recall of Akhtyamov is a bit of a surprise, though with the Leafs heading into a back-to-back situation involving travel — they play host to the San Jose Sharks on Monday night before heading to Columbus to take on the Blue Jackets on Tuesday — it could be that backup rest is in order for Sergei Bobrovsky and/or Anthony Stolarz.

We’ll have a better idea from coach Jim Hiller once the Leafs’ skate concludes. We should also get some clarity whether Nylander will be available for the game.

Akhtyamov, named the Calder Cup playoffs most valuable player as the Marlies won their second American Hockey League title last spring, has played in three games this season, posting a 2-1-0 record with a .882 save percentage and a 2.94 goals-against average.

In three games with the Leafs in 2025-26, Akhtyamov was 0-2-0 with an .877 save percentage.

Lettieri is off to a good start with the Marlies, recording nine points (three goals and six assists) in five games.

The Leafs head into Monday night on a three-game losing streak. The Sharks are playing the third game of a six-game trip. They’ve lost three of their past four games.

And, of course, the meeting between the Leafs and Sharks will be the first time that the top two picks in the 2026 NHL draft — Toronto’s Gavin McKenna and San Jose’s Ivar Stenberg — square off.

Stenberg has two goals and four assists in his first eight NHL games; McKenna two goals and three assists in his first nine games.

tkoshan@postmedia.com

@koshtorontosun

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