Amir Miftakhov Explained

Amir Miftakhov
Birth Date:26 April 2000
Birth Place:Kazan, Russia
Height Ft:6
Height In:1
Weight Lb:165
Position:Goaltender
Catches:Left
Team:Ak Bars Kazan
Draft:186th overall
Draft Year:2020
Draft Team:Tampa Bay Lightning
Career Start:2019

Amir Rustemovich Miftakhov (Russian: Амир Рустемович Мифтахов; born 26 April 2000) is a Russian professional ice hockey goaltender who is currently playing for Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). He was drafted by the Lightning in the 6th round of the 2020 NHL Entry Draft with the 186th pick overall.[1] [2]

Playing career

Miftakhov played as a youth and made his professional debut with Ak Bars Kazan of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).[3]

On 3 May 2021, Miftakhov was signed by draft club, the Tampa Bay Lightning, to a three-year, entry-level contract beginning in the 2021–22 season.[4]

Miftakhov made his North American hockey debut on 27 October 2021 with the Syracuse Crunch. He stopped 29 of 31 shots he faced in a 3–2 overtime win over the Hershey Bears. Miftakhov also recorded an assist on the game winning goal. Three games later, Miftakhov recorded his first North American shutout in a 4–0 win over the Laval Rocket.

Unable to find a footing within the Lightning organization in his lone season in North America, Miftakhov was mutually released for the remainder of his contract after clearing unconditional waivers on 2 July 2022.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Amir Miftakhov. 2020-10-09. Elite Prospects.
  2. Web site: 2020 NHL Draft: Complete results, list of picks for Rounds 1-7 . 7 October 2020 . NBC . 2020-10-09.
  3. Web site: Lightning sign goaltender Amir Miftakhov to entry-level contract . 2022-06-22 . NHL.com . 2 May 2021 . en-US.
  4. Web site: Lightning sign Goaltender Miftakhov to a three-year, entry-level contract . . 3 May 2021 . 3 May 2021.
  5. Web site: Lightning place Amir Miftakhov on unconditional waivers . prohockeyrumors.com . 2 July 2022 . 2 July 2022.