The Forgotten Forward Who Could Give the Leafs Something New?

There’s lots of chatter about SDA (Semyon Der-Arguchintsev) wanting to come back to the Toronto Maple Leafs. He was a talented prospect who, with Nick Robertson, put up lots of points. He just finished three seasons in the KHL, but he wants to return to North America and specifically with the Maple Leafs. But the question is if he could bring the team something different, not just another player in what looks like a loaded bottom six.

The biggest thing is that he’s not the same prospect Toronto drafted. He’s had real pro time in Russia, and at 25 he’s had to become more of the player he can actually be. If he’s playing wing more often now and still producing (36 points in 59 KHL games last season), that’s the kind of development that can turn into a useful NHL skill set. Can he deliver offence from below the top line, plus energy and playmaking without needing him to be a star?

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Could the Maple Leafs Use More Scoring from the Bottom Six?

What the Maple Leafs might not already have (depending on how they deploy everyone) is a fourth-line type who can actually create chances, not only grind. Toronto already added Nick Paul, Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger, and Brandon Duhaime, so the room isn’t empty. And it’s not like they’re short on “do-the-job” forwards.

The point of bringing SDA back wouldn’t be to force him into a job that already exists. It would be to add an extra gear: lower-line creativity and an option who can generate offence when the other lines aren’t buzzing. If he can give the team that offensive spark from somewhere deeper in the lineup, then he’s worth another look. If he’s just competing for minutes against guys who already do the same role, then there’s no reason for Toronto to overreact.

SDA Thinks There’s an NHL Opening for Him

Also, there’s a psychological/value angle here: SDA choosing not to report to his next KHL team while he waits suggests he thinks there’s still an NHL opening. That doesn’t mean it’ll happen, and it definitely doesn’t mean the Maple Leafs owe him a roster spot. But it does mean if he does come over, he’s likely arriving with a “prove it” mindset, not hoping that a team gives me a chance.

So, if SDA returns, the “why” wouldn’t be replacing anyone. It’d be adding a different kind of playmaking offensive threat that could make the bottom six less flat. But looking at it all logically, the bigger story is what it says about the Maple Leafs. Maybe the new front office is still hunting for roster variety, not just filling slots.

Related: Why Haven’t the Maple Leafs Signed a $20M D-Man for Pennies on the Dollar?