Leafs turn to KHL to solve backup goalie position

According to a report from Sportsnet reporter Luke Fox, the Toronto Maple Leafs are one of several teams interested in signing KHL superstar goalie Timur Bilyalov.

The 24 year old Russian is absolutely crushing the KHL this season with a 10-1-2 record and an incredible .957 save percentage and 1.10 goals against average. He has six shutouts in his 13 starts and set a KHL record by going 316 minutes without surrendering a goal last month.

With Leafs backup Michael Hutchinson struggling this season and with Garret Sparks, now of the Vegas Golden Knights, struggling last season it’s safe to say that a capable backup is a priority for Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas. 

There’s just one problem… Bilyalov is signed with Ak Bars of the KHL until April 30th.

“As for his desire to play in the NHL, it’s a dream for him as it is for any other player. If opportunity presented itself, he would certainly give it a shot. He’s been asked the question so many times, but he never seems to believe that it’s actually possible,” says KHL reporter Aivis Kalnins.

“He’s super calm. If you get one past him, he’ll act as if nothing happened and carry on playing. He has all the tools, however he’s very small. He compensates his size with what I would call elite positioning, and his movement in the net is very controlled for a guy his size.”

As for Hutchinson, Dubas isn’t ready to give up on him just yet.

“I don’t think we want to be hasty. We want to be patient and to show our belief. I know that’s not the answer that people would like. I think if we were going to satisfy the masses, it would be to just make a move to make a move. I understand that, but we’ve got belief in him and will continue to support him here.”

In the meantime, the losses keep piling up and the Leafs need a solution ASAP. Bilyalov may work for 2020-21, but… the 2019-20 season is slipping away and fast.

For Fox's full article, click the link below: