Maple Leafs prospect Semyon Der-Arguchintsev raised his stock in the KHL and wants to make the leap to the NHL as Toronto has to decide if he's worth it especially since they only have minimal spots left.
We touched previously on Der-Arguchintsev's desire to return to North America after three years in the KHL, and while the Maple Leafs still hold his rights, they've made no public indication whether they want to sign him or not.
However with limited financial space and contract room, John Chayka has to decide whether he fits into his brand new lineup or not.
Der-Arguchintsev's KHL production supports his push for another NHL chance
Putting up 101 points in 171 games over that span with Traktor Chelyabinsk and Dynamo Moscow and is still only 25 years old so there's plenty of time for him to still get better.
But according to Der-Arguchintsev's agent Shumi Babayev, the forward still hasn't changed his mind regarding coming back to Toronto despite his rights being traded to Admiral Vladivostok recently.
When pressed about what stage negotiations were in with the Maple Leafs, Babayev mentioned a process was underway but neglected to comment further:
A certain process is underway now. I can't comment on it.(Translated from Russian)
He has spent time with the Maple Leafs and Marlies prior to going to the KHL. He had one game with the Maple Leafs (0 points) but did have 107 games with the Marlies where he put up 76 points (25 goals) and also adding three points in five playoff games in 2022-23 - he was drafted 76th overall in 2018.
Baby did mention his client wants a one-year deal and could be facing AHL time but has mentioned there is little reason to come back if that's the only path for him.
The Maple Leafs have to decide if Der-Arguchintsev is worth their final contract slot
However this does create yet another issue for John Chayka and the Maple Leafs. While he's proven that he can contribute at the AHL and KHL level, his path to the NHL isn't exactly clear. Toronto overhauled their bottom-six this summer, and that's where Der-Arguchintsev is likely to start his NHL career.
He wouldn't get the prime playing time he might be hoping for and it could take a bit of time for him to earn a way into more opportunities. He could be an offensive option for Jim Hiller on the fourth line if he wants to add a spark while staying defensively sound.
He'd need to prove that he's worth more than just a tertiary role on the team, and while the team can bring him aboard a lot cheaper than they could other players, they'll need to have a fit for him first.
Der-Arguchintsev is waiver eligible however so if he does come up with the team and need to be sent down for any reason, his one-way deal would put him at risk of being claimed by other NHL clubs.
Babyev's comments regarding a certain process underway could mean that John Chayka has a fit in mind and is trying to figure out the logistics. Or it could also mean they are in the process of figuring out a move from the Maple Leafs elsewhere - thus opening his path to the NHL down a different road.
If John Chayka signs Der-Arguchintsev then we can expect he'll be part of the lineup going forward, then he can give him a chance to earn it during camp. However he could be at risk of being lost if the team doesn't have a place for him and whether his KHL production was enough to earn him a job.
Should the Maple Leafs give Semyon Der-Arguchintsev an NHL or AHL contract?
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