Report: Maple Leafs among teams eyeing KHL goalie Timur Bilyalov
The Toronto Maple Leafs are among several NHL teams interested in KHL goaltender Timur Bilyalov, according to Sportsnet's Luke Fox.
Bilyalov is severely undersized for a goalie, standing just 5-foot-10 and 174 pounds. However, he's been outstanding for Ak Bars Kazan this season, leading all KHL netminders in save percentage (.957), goals-against average (1.10), and shutouts (six) in 16 games.
The 24-year-old has not yet determined whether to pursue a career in the KHL or go to the NHL, Fox added. His contract expires April 30, but he could make a decision by March.
Frederik Andersen is the Maple Leafs' only goalie to see his name in the win column this season. Backup Michael Hutchinson has struggled to an .876 save percentage and a 4.55 goals-against average in seven games.
Toronto successfully dipped into the Russian free-agent market this offseason by signing forward Ilya Mikheyev, who ranks fourth in NHL rookie scoring with 18 points in 34 games.