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Leafs lineup news: Haymes to make NHL debut, Akhtyamov set to make 1st NHL start vs. Islanders
Photo credit: (Steven Ellis/The Nation Network)
Apr 9, 2026, 17:15 EDTUpdated: Apr 9, 2026, 17:21 EDT
The Toronto Maple Leafs’ lineup is set to look a lot different on Long Island when they square off with the New York Islanders. After Wednesday night’s 4-0 loss to the Washington Capitals, which saw Anthony Stolarz, Dakota Joshua and Brandon Carlo all leave the game with injuries, the Maple Leafs have had to call in reinforcements.
Following the 4-0 loss, Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube announced that goaltender Artur Akhtyamov would be called up to make his first NHL start against the Islanders during the second half of the Maple Leafs’ back-to-back. Akhtyamov previously made his NHL debut on December 13 in relief during a 6-3 loss against the Edmonton Oilers, turning aside all five shots he faced. The 24-year-old goaltender was an AHL All-Star this season and has posted a record of 20-12-4 with a 2.90 goals-against average and a 0.903 save percentage, helping the Marlies clinch a playoff berth.
Maple Leafs head coach Craig Berube announced pre-game that Luke Haymes is set to make his NHL debut on Wednesday night. The 22-year-old forward was originally signed in March of 2025 to a two-year, entry-level contract after finishing his NCAA career at Dartmouth College. Through 64 games this season with the Marlies, Haymes has recorded 17 goals and 15 assists, and really started to find his stride just prior to the AHL All-Star break.
Forward Ryan Tverberg and defenceman William Villeneuve were also recalled from the Marlies, but Berube said that both players would be on standby in case anyone else is unavailable to dress this evening. If either player sees game action, it would make for their NHL debuts.
Maple Leafs’ projected lineup vs. Islanders
Easton Cowan-John Tavares-William Nylander
Matias Maccelli-Max Domi-Matthew Knies
Michael Pezzetta-Luke Haymes-Nick Robertson
Steven Lorentz-Jacob Quillan-Calle Järnkrok
Morgan Rielly-Philippe Myers
Jake McCabe-Troy Stecher
Simon Benoit-Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Artur Akhtyamov
Joseph Woll
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