No. 1: Semyon Der-Arguchintsev
The 20-year-old centre from Moscow, Russia has a great chance at cracking the Leafs roster sooner than later.
Better known as “SDA”, Semyon Der-Arguchintsev is a talented young man. Although he’s small, 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, he’s solid enough offensively that he should be given a serious look at the NHL-level.
If Nick Robertson makes the roster, SDA should 100 percent follow suit so that these two can try to replicate the magic they had during the 2019-20 season with the Peterborough Petes. During that campaign, the duo played the majority of the season together and combined for 68 goals and 162 points.
Robertson scored 55 goals, while Der-Arguchintsev contributed 63 assists, so you can see how well they blended together.
Having those two reminisce on the Leafs fourth-line would be an awesome sight to see and it could add some serious energy to a line that’s old. With Jason Spezza and Wayne Simmonds slotted in that position, injecting some youth at that spot instead could be a great idea.
If Der-Arguchintsev doesn’t crack the lineup this year, expect him to be a serious contender for a full-time position in the 2022-23 campaign.