Semyon Der-Arguchintsev’s path back to the Toronto Maple Leafs is still alive.
The 25-year-old Russian forward is reportedly in ongoing discussions about a possible return to Toronto, according to reports out of Russia, and his agent recently left the door open when speaking about the situation. Shumi Babaev, who represents Der-Arguchintsev, told RB Sport: “A certain process is underway.”
Der-Arguchintsev, who is also known as SDA, was drafted by the Leafs in the third round, 76th overall, in the 2018 NHL Draft. He got into just one game for Toronto before heading back to Russia, but he did spend two seasons with the Toronto Marlies, where he put up 25 goals and 72 points in 101 regular-season games.
Since then, he has spent three full seasons in the KHL. Most recently, he played for Dynamo Moscow after being traded by Traktor Chelyabinsk during the 2025-26 season. Dynamo has already moved his rights to Admiral Vladivostok, and there is talk that Admiral could move them again, but Der-Arguchintsev’s goal remains a return to North America.
The bigger question is where he would fit if a Leafs deal actually comes together.
Toronto has already made several offseason moves aimed at strengthening the bottom six, which leaves very little room for another forward trying to force his way in. Der-Arguchintsev, listed as a center on many stat sites, has mainly played wing since returning to Russia, especially over the last two seasons.
At 5-foot-11 and 168 pounds, he has produced solid offense in the KHL, averaging more than 16 minutes of ice time and topping 30 points a season while playing between 52 and 59 games per year. His 2024-25 playoff run with Traktor stood out, as he recorded 12 points - four goals and eight assists - in 19 games. His best regular season came in 2025-26, when he finished with 37 points, including six goals and 31 assists, in 59 games split between Traktor and Dynamo.
He’s described as a playmaking forward who has had trouble in the faceoff circle, which is part of why he has spent so much time on the wing. In the right spot, he could help feed goal scorers and bring some offense to a lower line. At the moment, he looks more like a third-line option, and the Leafs could see him in a similar light to Nick Robertson, even if the immediate goal would simply be to earn a place on the roster and establish himself in the NHL.
Any deal would likely have to be a one-year, league-minimum contract, giving him a chance to prove himself. If it doesn’t work out, it could still create a path to another team where he might have a bigger role.
Toronto’s cap situation complicates matters, since the club can’t really add much more unless money comes off the books. If that changes, there could be room for Der-Arguchintsev.
Another possibility is a deal that sends his NHL signing rights elsewhere so he can chase a roster spot with a different team right away.
For now, the process is still moving, and the Leafs’ talks with Der-Arguchintsev remain worth watching.
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