Russian forward Semyon Der-Arguchintsev appears to still be in discussions over a potential return to the Toronto Maple Leafs this season.
The 25-year-old was originally selected by the Leafs in the third round (76th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft, but he only managed to make one single appearance for the NHL team before ultimately returning to his home country.
He played consistently over two seasons with the Toronto Marlies, registering 25 goals and 72 points in 101 regular-season games, but he was unable to crack the Leafs roster during that time.
Now, though, after three full seasons playing in the KHL, it appears that Der-Arguchintsev believes he has a chance to make the NHL after all, and discussions with his agent could still be ongoing according to reports out of Russia.
SDA’s agent speaks
Shumi Babaev, agent for Der-Arguchintsev, recently spoke to RB Sport in Russia about his client’s status.
Der-Arguchintsev, also commonly known as SDA by fans, most recently played for Dynamo Moscow after being traded by Traktor Chelyabinsk partway through the 2025–26 season.
Dynamo, though, have already moved his rights to Admiral Vladivostok, and there is already talk that the team could look to move his rights again, but it’s clear he will not join whoever holds them, as his intention remains to move to North America.
Specifically, discussions with Toronto were brought up in the interview, and Babaev commented: “A certain process is underway.”
He stated that he could not comment on it further, but the fact that the process continues suggests that the Toronto Maple Leafs are engaged in talks about a possible return of the former Kelly Cup (ECHL) champion.
How would he fit the Leafs?
SDA may be looking to make a return to the Toronto Maple Leafs, but there is still a significant hurdle for him to overcome if he is to have any chance of legitimately making the lineup.
The Leafs have made many moves this offseason to address gaps in the bottom-six of the offence, and there are few opportunities for the 25-year-old Moscow native to truly break in.
Listed as a centre on many statistic sites, the 5-foot-11, 168lbs forward has primarily played as a winger since returning to Russia, especially over the past two seasons.
He has been a decent offensive player in the KHL, averaging over 16 minutes of ice time and contributing over 30 points a season in between 52 and 59 games per year.
He had a strong playoff showing in 2024–25 with Traktor, registering 12 points (four goals, eight assists) in 19 games, and his best regular season came in 2025- 26 with 37 points (six goals, 31 assists) in 59 games with both Traktor and Dynamo.
He is a playmaking forward who struggles in the faceoff circle, so he has predominantly moved out to the wing, and he could be an ideal provider for goal-scoring teammates at the NHL level.
He likely projects as a third-line forward at present, and he could be an effective playmaker if deployed in the offensive zone regularly.
He could be viewed in a similar vein to Nick Robertson, who couldn’t quite establish himself higher up in the lineup, but his ambitions are likely to simply be to make the Leafs roster and establish himself in the NHL first.
If the Leafs need some additional offensive contributors further down the lineup, SDA could find a place and an opportunity.
Do the Leafs have space?
SDA’s chances of making the Leafs would likely require him to take a one-year, league-minimum deal to prove he has what it takes.
At worst, it could lead to him being traded to a team where he could have a bigger impact if things don’t go to plan.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are lacking in cap space and can’t really add anyone else unless contracts are moved out. If subsequent moves are made, there may be room to accommodate Der-Arguchintsev.
Discussions could, potentially, see the Leafs negotiate a deal for his NHL signing rights to another team, allowing him to compete for a roster spot on another team right out of the gate.
Regardless of what happens, it will be interesting to see how SDA’s attempts to return to North America play out and whether or not his decent showing in the KHL can translate to some success in the NHL.
It is a widely held opinion that John Chayka did a marvelous job with all of the additions he has made this offseason. I do not hold that opinion.
Ending his signing spree tight against the cap with an imbalanced roster and a couple of glaring lineup holes is in my not so humble opinion hardly a marvelous job. This story about SDA is a case in point. He’s is potentially a right shooting middle six forward with skill. He may be a bust in his attempt to return to the NHL, who knows, …but what if he turns out to be found money?
A cap strapped Leafs team painted into a corner by signing too many bottom six players may not have the flexibility to find out.