KHL standout Vitali Pinchuk is the Maple Leafs' best answer to losing Roy and Laughton

The 24-year-old Belarusian Pinchuk, who plays in the KHL with Dinamo Minsk, has had NHL links dating back to last season, and looks even more likely to come over. This season has solidified his potential with 29 goals and 61 points in 60 games for the Belarusian club.

It wouldn't be the first time that Pinchuk has appeared on North American ice, having played in the OHL as a member of the Kingston Frontenacs in the 2019-20 season, appearing in 54 games before a return to Belarus.

Vitali Pinchuk has a strong chance at being in the NHL next season, and he may have a clear case to stick full time in the league.

Recent undrafted KHL crossovers in Maxim Shabanov and Maxim Tsyplakov have both bit inconsistent, Tsyplakov struggling to score leading to him being placed on waivers, and the 5'8 Shabanov having some clear adjusting to do.

Pinchuk has a bit of an advantage to his game in the fact that he plays a more physical style of play vs the other two recent KHL signings, something that could make him work in a bottom-six role and not entirely reliant or being a top-six "boom-or-bust" player.

Is there concerns that Pinchuk could end up not as safe as fellow 6'3 forward Tsyplakov? Pinchuk is both younger and more productive as a player. He may not become a premier talent, but has the skill set and defensive ability to remain in the league, much like fellow UDFA from years back, and a name Leafs fans will know in Ilya Mikheyev.

Mikheyev has managed to stick in the league as a two-way winger in the NHL despite a lack of flash. Pinchuk could be the center version of that.

Pinchuk isn't the only KHL free agent who may make his way over after this season. Danil Aimurzin is another name who has gained traction as a potential signing as his contract ends this season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs could immediately offer Vitali Pinchuk a spot in their bottom-six with holes left open with the losses of Nicolas Roy and Scott Laughton due to trades.

Pinchuk could slot into Toronto's third line, right behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares, and ahead of rookie Jacob Quillan, who could earn a fourth line shot next season with Roy & Laughton now gone.

He would also add some additional size to the bottom-six, something that GM Brad Treliving has wanted to add more of, and he fills a positional need in the process.

Toronto needs to add an impact bottom-six center, and Pinchuk could come at a very reasonable cost out of Russia, as a youngster still able to sign an ELC deal.

Toronto are unlikely to be the only team in on Pinchuk, who has reported multiple suitors across the league, or at least general interest from European pro scouts.

If the Toronto Maple Leafs plan is to spend for their retooling next season, a bargain option in Pinchuk could be one of the NHL's best dollar per point players, much like Toronto got with Bobby McMann at $1.35M, which makes Pinchuk low-risk, yet high-reward.

After a lack of ice time with the Islanders, Shabanov and Tsyplakov show as examples for free agents to consider wisely where to sign, and avoid ending up in the dog house.

In Toronto. Vitali Pinchuk will have a chance at proper ice time instantly that others coming over did not get, and would be integral immediately if all goes right.

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