Kyle Clifford is stepping away after 15 professional seasons to join the Toronto Maple Leafs in a player development role. At 34, Clifford spent the last three seasons with the Marlies, posting four goals and four assists in 17 games this past season. A 2009 second-rounder by Los Angeles, he played 753 NHL games with the Kings, Maple Leafs and Blues, earning Stanley Cup championships with Los Angeles in 2012 and 2014. He debuted professionally with the Manchester Monarchs during the 2010 Calder Cup Playoffs and logged 127 regular-season AHL games with Ontario and Toronto, scoring 25 goals and 34 assists.

His retirement marks the end of a grit-forward era, but the Leafs’ organization gains a veteran mentor as it continues to develop a deep pool of forward talent. For fantasy fans, the immediate on-ice impact looks modest, but Clifford’s move into development could accelerate progression for prospects eyeing bottom-six roles while the team manages a crowded forward corps and an ambitious young core.

Artur Akhtyamov has made quite an impression in his transition from Russian hockey to the AHL with the Toronto Marlies. Kyle Clifford compares his competitive nature to that of Jonathan Quick, highlighting Akhtyamov's relentless pursuit of the puck. The 23-year-old goalie has shown promise with a .933 save percentage in his initial games, although he faced a dip to .900 later on. His adaptability to the North American style of play, characterized by a higher volume of quality shots, speaks to his potential.

Akhtyamov's journey began in the KHL with Ak Bars-Kazan, where his skills caught the eyes of scouts, leading to his selection in the 2020 NHL Draft. Despite initial struggles, his determination shines through, as he balances language barriers and personal transitions with his professional growth. His bond with fellow Russian teammate Nikita Grebenkin has eased his adjustment, and both players are now pivotal to the Marlies’ aspirations.