Former Maple Leafs Prospect Wants To Return to Toronto After KHL Stint
The 25-year-old center's agent, Shumi Babaev, confirmed to R.org's Daria Tuboltseva that his client is considering a return to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization after three seasons in the KHL.
"Semyon is considering the option of returning to Toronto," Babaev said. "We contacted former general manager Brad Treliving and expressed our desire to return to the club's system. Now we are waiting for the appointment of a new general manager and to understand his position."
🤯 OH NO HE DIDN'T 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ZmJVt4H4Sp
— KHL (@khl_eng) March 16, 2026
Der-Arguchintsev's contract with KHL club Dynamo Moscow expires on May 31, and talks with his current team have not yet begun according to his camp.
The Leafs still hold his NHL rights, as he was drafted 76th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft out of the OHL's Peterborough Petes rather than from Russia, which means his signing rights remain with Toronto until 2028.
What He Has Done in Russia
Der-Arguchintsev left the Maple Leafs organization after the 2022-23 season, one that included a 40-point campaign with AHL Marlies and a single NHL appearance on December 6, 2022 against Dallas.
He signed with Traktor Chelyabinsk in the summer of 2023 and has spent three seasons developing in one of the world's most competitive leagues.
Across 171 KHL games between Traktor and Dynamo Moscow, he has scored 36 goals and posted 100 points.
“I believe Semyon is ready for the NHL.”
— luke fox (@lukefoxjukebox) April 29, 2026
After three years in the KHL and going viral with one nasty shootout move, Semyon Der-Arguchintsev wants to be a Toronto Maple Leaf again: https://t.co/93engn4IZc pic.twitter.com/svYj9TevwH
His most recent split season between the two clubs produced 36 points including six goals and 30 assists across 59 games, a steady two-way presence that his agent believes has prepared him for an NHL opportunity.
"I believe Semyon is ready for the NHL," Babaev said. "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."
Why the Timing Is Complicated
The entire conversation is on hold until Toronto hires a new general manager.
Babaev made initial contact with Treliving before he was dismissed, and the camp is now in a holding pattern while MLSE and Keith Pelley work through the GM search process.
The urgency is real given the May 31 contract expiration, which means the window to negotiate a return before Der-Arguchintsev is technically free to sign anywhere is narrowing alongside the timeline of the GM search itself.
Whether the incoming GM shares Treliving's level of interest in this particular player is unknown, of course.
Semyon Der-Arguchintsev may not be satisfied with his cup of coffee.
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 29, 2026
The veteran of one NHL game is looking to return to the Maple Leafs from the KHL. (@lukefoxjukebox) https://t.co/qUJM2AUdjp
Der-Arguchintsev is asking for a one-way deal near the minimum, which represents almost no financial risk for a team that already holds his rights.
The Leafs have multiple center spots up for competition heading into next season with Max Domi, Nick Robertson, Jacob Quillan, and Ryan Tverberg all facing contract decisions of their own.
A 25-year-old two-way center who has produced 100 points in three KHL seasons at close to league minimum would at the very least be a legitimate camp battle for a bottom-six role.
Whether the new GM sees it that way is the only question that matters right now.
Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images