Maple Leafs Sign Four Players

The Toronto Maple Leafs announced today that the hockey club has signed goaltender Artur Akhtyamov as well as defencemen William Lagesson, Max Lajoie and Marshall Rifai.

Akhtyamov, 21, posted a 20-12-6 record and held a .943 save percentage and a 1.74 goals-against average through 39 games with Neftyanik Almetievsk (VHL) during the 2022-23 season. The Kazan, Russia native finished the season with the highest save percentage in the league and won Goaltender of the Month in both November and December. Akhtyamov signed a three-year, two-way entry-level contract carrying an average annual value of $851,667.

Akhtyamov was originally selected by Toronto in the fourth round (106th overall) in the 2020 NHL Draft.

Lagesson, 27, amassed 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 65 games with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) in 2022-23. The Gothenburg, Sweden native has previously skated in 60 NHL games, recording seven assists, with the Edmonton Oilers and Montréal Canadiens. Lagesson signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000.

Lagesson was originally selected by Edmonton in the fourth round (91st overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.

Lajoie, 25, registered 45 points (11 goals, 34 assists) in 63 games with the Chicago Wolves (AHL) last season. He has suited up in 70 regular season NHL games with the Carolina Hurricanes and Ottawa Senators, posting 15 points (seven goals, eight assists). Lajoie signed a one-year, two-way contract worth $775,000.

The Quebec City, Quebec native was originally selected by Ottawa in the fifth round (133rd overall) of the 2016 NHL Draft.

Rifai, 25, skated in 69 games for the Toronto Marlies (AHL) during the 2022-23 season, collecting 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) and 118 penalty minutes. Prior to joining Toronto, the Beaconsfield, Quebec native appeared in 71 games through three seasons with Harvard University, registering 21 points (six goals, 15 assists). Rifai's contract is a two-year, two-way contract with an NHL average annual value of $775,000.

Rifai originally signed a one-year AHL contract with Toronto on March 29, 2022.