Leafs' rookie forward to make his NHL debut on Tuesday?
The Leafs had a much-needed day off on Sunday but were right back at it on Monday at practice, with freshly recalled Semyon Der-Arguchintsev present. There's nothing too shocking about that in and of itself, but what is shocking is the fact that he was skating in a white jersey, befitting a player who is expected to play. Wayne Simmonds and Denis Malgin skated in extras grey.
Before we all get too excited, it is worth noting that Sheldon Keefe and the Leafs' coaching staff have fooled us before. They have appeared to be doing one thing at practice with the media present and then announced the game roster with some changes, so while it would be cool to see SDA make his NHL debut in Dallas on Tuesday, we should probably wait for the official announcement before we get too amped up.
Der-Arguchintsev was a 3rd round pick by the Leafs in 2018. In fact, he was selected with the pick traded to the Leafs by the St. Louis Blues as compensation for moving back a few spots and drafting Rasmus Sandin so that the Blues could draft Dominik Bokk at 25th overall that year.
SDA has tremendous chemistry with 2019 2nd rounder Nick Robertson, who also skated in a regulars jersey on Tuesday. He skated on a line with veteran winger Zach Aston-Reese and rookie Pontus Holmberg. Keefe could also look to slide Robertson down and match the two up together in-game to get a look at the NHL level to see if they can recapture some of the magic they made together in the AHL.
Der-Arguchintsev has amassed 18 points in 20 games so far this season with the Marlies. He was due a look and it would appear as though he might get one during his call-up.
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 5 | 105 ANSWERS Leafs' rookie forward to make his NHL debut on Tuesday? Will Semyon Der-Arguchintsev make his NHL debut this week? | ||
| Yes | 77 | 73.3 % |
| No, it's all smoke and mirrors | 28 | 26.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
