Russian forward Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, a former third-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2018, is exploring a return to the NHL after three seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). The 25-year-old centre, who played one game for the Maple Leafs during the 2022-23 season, is in discussions with the team about a potential contract.
Career Development in Russia
Der-Arguchintsev spent the last three seasons in the KHL, playing for Chelyabinsk and Moscow Dynamo. He achieved a career-high 17 goals in the 2023-24 season and recorded 48 points in 63 games this season between the two clubs. His performance has reignited interest from NHL teams, particularly the Maple Leafs, who drafted him 76th overall in 2018.
Agent Confirms Talks
His agent, Shumi Babaev, confirmed that conversations with former Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving began before Treliving's dismissal in March 2026. Babaev stated that his client is waiting for the appointment of Treliving's successor, expected in May, to continue negotiations. Der-Arguchintsev's KHL contract with Moscow Dynamo expires at the end of the month, making him available for an NHL move.
“I believe Semyon is ready for the NHL,” Babaev told Sportsnet. “Of course, he has to be ready for the possibility of playing in the American Hockey League again, but there is no point in going there just for that. We are talking about a one-way contract with a salary closer to the league minimum.”
Previous Stint with Maple Leafs Organization
Der-Arguchintsev, who stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 167 pounds, previously played four seasons with the OHL's Peterborough Petes before joining the Toronto Marlies, the Maple Leafs' AHL affiliate, from 2020 to 2023. He appeared in over 100 regular-season and playoff games for the Marlies, earning a brief call-up to the Maple Leafs for a 4-0 win against the Dallas Stars.
His decision to return to the KHL in 2023 was driven by the depth of Toronto's forward group. Now, after three productive years in Russia, he aims for a more substantial NHL opportunity.
Comparison to 2018 Draft Class
Of the nine players drafted by the Maple Leafs in 2018 who reached the NHL, three are now playing for other teams: Rasmus Sandin (Washington Capitals), Sean Durzi (Utah Hockey Club), and Pontus Holmberg (Tampa Bay Lightning). Der-Arguchintsev hopes to join that list and establish himself in the NHL.
The Maple Leafs are in the process of hiring a new general manager, which will likely determine the next steps for Der-Arguchintsev's potential return.
