Semyon Der-Arguchintsev Looks to Rejoin Toronto Maple Leafs
Agent Shumi Babaev has indicated that Semyon Der-Arguchintsev is interested in returning to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization next season, following two years in the KHL. Discussions about a potential return were held with former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving, and further negotiations will await the appointment of a new general manager. Der-Arguchintsev’s KHL contract concludes on May 31st, with no current talks with Dynamo. In his recent KHL season, he recorded six goals and 30 assists in 59 games. Babaev believes Der-Arguchintsev is ready for the NHL, acknowledging the possibility of starting in the AHL but emphasizing a preference for a one-way contract with a salary near the league minimum.
Winnipeg Jets Anticipate Busy Offseason
The Winnipeg Jets, holding the No. 7 pick in the upcoming draft, are advised to focus on acquiring top-tier talent rather than trading the pick for immediate needs like a second-line center or a defenseman akin to Dustin Byfuglien. Potential draft targets include right-handed defensemen Keaton Verhoeff and Daxon Rudolph, or centers Tynan Lawrence and Caleb Malhotra. Alternatively, the Jets could consider trading the pick for a promising young player on an entry-level or restricted free agent contract, such as Leo Carlsson (Ducks) or Jason Robertson (Stars), if such a deal is feasible. The team also possesses the Buffalo Sabres’ 2027 second-round pick, which, when combined with a prospect like Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov, Colby Barlow, or Sascha Boumedienne, might be sufficient to acquire a secondary scorer, but likely not a top second-line center. The possibility of trading goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is also raised, with the potential to acquire a top-four defenseman or second-line center. A hypothetical scenario involves the Florida Panthers potentially offering Anton Lundell and the No. 8 overall pick. The article also considers trading forward Kyle Connor, who has a full no-movement clause, drawing parallels to the Matthew Tkachuk for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar trade, and the earlier Mikko Rantanen trade involving the Colorado Avalanche. Trading established players like Josh Morrissey or Mark Scheifele is deemed unlikely unless it significantly improves the team, a scenario that appears improbable at this juncture.
English Translation:
NHL Rumors: Semyon Der-Arguchintsev is Looking to Return to the Toronto Maple Leafs Organization
Agent Shumi Babaev stated that Semyon Der-Arguchintsev is looking to potentially return to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization next season, after spending the past two seasons in the KHL. Babaev mentioned that they had spoken with the now former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving about a possible return and will now have to wait until a new GM is announced. Der-Arguchintsev’s KHL contract expires on May 31st, and there have been no talks with Dynamo yet. He recorded six goals and 30 assists in 59 games this past season. “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.”
It’s Leading Up to an Interesting Offseason for the Winnipeg Jets
The Winnipeg Jets currently hold the No. 7 pick in the draft. They shouldn’t be looking to flip that pick for a second-line center or the next Dustin Byfuglien. Drafting some top-end talent and getting them to stay is what they need to do. Right-handed defensemen Keaton Verhoeff and Daxon Rudolph, and centers Tynan Lawrence or Caleb Malhotra could be available when they pick. It is possible that they move the pick for a top young player on an entry-level or RFA contract. If they could acquire and sign someone like Leo Carlsson (Ducks) or Jason Robertson (Stars), then it would make sense to move the pick. The Jets have the Buffalo Sabres’ 2027 second-round pick, and packing that with a good prospect may not be enough to land a good second-line center. It might be enough to land a secondary scorer if packaging Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov, Colby Barlow or Sascha Boumedienne. What if the Jets looked at trading goaltender Connor Hellebuyck? You’d think they’d be able to get a top-four defenseman or second-line center. There aren’t really any comparables for trading someone like Hellebuyck. Would the Florida Panthers be willing to give up Anton Lundell and the No. 8 overall pick? What if the Jets looked at trading Kyle Connor? He does have a full no-movement clause. Could the Jets use the Matthew Tkachuk for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar as a comp? Not that Connor is in Mikko Rantanen territory, but the Avs got Martin Necas and Jack Drury for Rantanen (a pending UFA at the time) from the Hurricanes, who later flipped Rantanen for Logan Stankoven, two firsts and two third-round picks. What if the Jets looked at trading Josh Morrissey or Mark Scheifele? Hard to see either helping them out now, as that seems to be a No. 1 C/D for someone who might become a No. 1 C/D. Hard to see the Jets proactively looking at trading Hellebuyck, Connor, Morrissey, or Scheifele. It would be an awful idea to do unless it makes the team better, which isn’t easy to see.