Semyon Der-Arguchintsev May Return to Toronto Maple Leafs Organization
Agent Shumi Babaev has indicated that Semyon Der-Arguchintsev is considering a return to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization for the upcoming season, following two years in the KHL. Discussions about a potential comeback were held with former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving, and further talks will await the appointment of a new general manager. Der-Arguchintsev’s contract with Dynamo in the KHL concludes on May 31st, with no current negotiations underway. This past season, he recorded six goals and 30 assists in 59 games.
“I believe Semyon is ready for the NHL. Of course, he has to be ready for the possibility of playing in the AHL, but there is no point in going there just for that. We are talking about a one-way contract with a salary closer to the league minimum.”
Winnipeg Jets Face a Pivotal Offseason
The Winnipeg Jets, holding the seventh overall pick in the upcoming draft, are at a critical juncture. Rather than trading the pick for immediate needs like a second-line center or a defenseman reminiscent of Dustin Byfuglien, the team’s priority should be to draft and develop high-caliber talent. Potential draft targets include right-handed defensemen Keaton Verhoeff and Daxon Rudolph, or centers Tynan Lawrence and Caleb Malhotra. However, the possibility of trading the pick for a young player already on an entry-level or restricted free agent contract, such as Leo Carlsson (Ducks) or Jason Robertson (Stars), is also being considered.
Acquiring a secondary scorer might be achievable by packaging the Buffalo Sabres’ 2027 second-round pick with prospects like Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov, Colby Barlow, or Sascha Boumedienne. Another significant decision the Jets might face is the potential trade of goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, which could bring back a top-four defenseman or a second-line center. Comparables for such a trade are scarce; for instance, it’s unclear if the Florida Panthers would consider trading Anton Lundell and the No. 8 overall pick. Similarly, trading forward Kyle Connor, who possesses a full no-move clause, could be explored. While not in the caliber of Mikko Rantanen, past significant trades, like the one involving Rantanen, offer a reference point for potential returns.
Trades involving Josh Morrissey or Mark Scheifele are less likely to be proactive moves aimed at immediate team improvement. The team is unlikely to pursue trading Hellebuyck, Connor, Morrissey, or Scheifele unless it demonstrably strengthens the roster, which is currently difficult to envision.
