TORONTO — The Toronto Marlies won the 2026 Calder Cup, defeating the Chicago Wolves 4-3 in Game 5 of the Calder Cup Final to secure a 4-1 series victory. Artur Akhtyamov received the Jack Butterfield Trophy as the Calder Cup Playoffs MVP.

Akhtyamov, a 24-year-old from Russia, allowed 13 goals in five games against the Chicago Wolves during the Final. He made 27 saves in the decisive Game 5. During the entire playoffs, he recorded a .923 save percentage and a 2.22 goals-against average, accumulating a 15-7 record.

Marlies coach John Gruden commented on Akhtyamov's performance and the team's success. "It's so fitting that he got the MVP," Gruden said. "He bounced back from a game he probably didn't love yesterday. We don't win without him." Gruden also addressed the significance of the victory. "It's so special to get to cherish this moment for life," he said. Regarding Akhtyamov's impact, Gruden added, "We don't have enough time. You guys would be mad at me by explaining how great he's been for us, how much confidence he's given our group."

In Game 5, Vinni Lettieri scored for the Marlies on a second-period power play. Benoit-Olivier Groulx and Jacob Quillan also scored for Toronto. Landon Sim scored for the Chicago Wolves. Cayden Primeau, the Chicago Wolves' goaltender, stopped 19 shots in Game 5. Lettieri led all skaters in the playoffs with 26 points.

The Toronto Marlies, the top affiliate of the NHL's Maple Leafs, were the seventh-placed team in the Eastern Conference during the regular season. This marks their second Calder Cup victory; they previously won the championship in 2018. The Chicago Wolves are the top farm team for the Carolina Hurricanes.