After deciding to head overseas; Leafs prospect may be planning a return to Toronto
A few weeks ago, it was announced that Leafs prospect Semyon Der-Arguchintsev was returning to the KHL. Now, however it would seem that he is more likely to sign a new deal with the Leafs.
SDA's rights are owned by Torpedo, but he does not want to play for them and has several offers from other clubs. Those deals, however, are contingent on Torpedo trading his rights, which does not look like something that will happen. According to player agent Shumi Babaev, if Torpedo does not trade his rights to another club, SDA will return to Toronto and sign a new contract with the Marlies/Leafs.
A smaller center, at just 5'10 and 180 pounds, SDA put up a very respectable 40 points in 50 games with the Marlies last season. He may not fit the bill of what Brad Treliving wants as a centerman to play behind Auston Matthews and John Tavares or Ryan O'Reilly in terms of size, but they can always transition him to the wing if they see a better fit for him there. Even though he is on the smaller side, SDA plays like the energizer bunny and is always doing whatever he can to get the puck back.
Should he return to the Leafs and Marlies next season, he could fill a fourth line role with the Leafs and at the very least would be one of the «next men up» when injuries occur.
