Maple Leafs bring up four AHL players after injuries, with Akhtyamov confirmed to start in net

Goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, forwards Luke Haymes and Ryan Tverberg, and defenceman William Villeneuve were all called up

By Bisma Saleem

Published April 10, 2026

The Toronto Maple Leafs have recalled four players from the American Hockey League on an emergency basis following a series of injuries.

Goaltender Artur Akhtyamov, forwards Luke Haymes and Ryan Tverberg, and defenceman William Villeneuve were all called up from the Toronto Marlies, the team confirmed.

Forward Bo Groulx was sent back to the Marlies in a corresponding move.

The call-ups follow a game in Washington, where Toronto lost Anthony Stolarz, Brandon Carlo and Dakota Joshua to injury.

All three have already been ruled out of Thursday’s matchup against the New York Islanders.

Head coach Craig Berube confirmed that Akhtyamov will make his first NHL start in goal.

The 24-year-old has posted a 20-12-4 record in 36 games with the Marlies this season, along with a 2.90 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.

Already eliminated from playoff contention, the injury-hit Maple Leafs will look to disrupt an Islanders side still battling for a wild-card place in the Eastern Conference.

Bisma Saleem is a Senior Sub Editor and Canada correspondent, specialising in sports coverage across the NFL, NBA, and major events like the Super Bowl. With over 8 years of experience, she combines sharp editorial skills with on-ground insight, delivering dynamic reporting alongside exclusive Canada-based stories that bring a distinct international perspective to her coverage.