The Maple Leafs’ development camp this week is pivotal for two Russian goalie prospects aiming to establish their NHL careers. Despite a comical mishap during a golf outing last week, where their cart veered off-course, they took it in stride. Peksa, who arrived a year earlier and played for the ECHL’s Newfoundland Growlers, improving his English, joked about the golf experience, noting it’s not popular in Russia but expressing a newfound interest. Despite a challenging season with a 5-19-1 record amid the Growlers’ fold, Peksa remains optimistic about his future, likely heading to the Cincinnati Cyclones or AHL’s Marlies. He reflects on his growth since last year’s camp, adapting to a new country and overcoming setbacks.
Meanwhile, Akhtyamov, drafted a year earlier at 106th overall, moved up to the KHL last season before joining Toronto recently. Both goalies, along with WHL free agent Dawson Cowan and Cameron Rowe, are focusing on their development at the camp.
German forward Veit Oswald, part of EHC Munich’s championship team as the youngest player, relishes his opportunity with the Leafs after impressing at the world junior championship despite going undrafted. Oswald is absorbing insights from NHL-experienced coaches at the camp while maintaining a contract with Munich.
Additionally, seventh-round picks Matthew Lahey, Sam McCue, and others share their ambitions and experiences at the camp, grateful for the chance to learn from NHL greats like John Tavares and Shane Doan. Despite challenges, prospects like Brandon Lisowsky remain undeterred, driven to prove themselves in the professional hockey arena, embracing their underdog status as motivation.
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