Today the Leafs have loaned another player to Europe. This time, 20-year-old Semyon Der-Arguchintsev is joining Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod of the KHL.

He is joining the team just as they’ve cut Leafs draft pick Semyon Kizimov to the VHL.

Der-Arguchintsev, born in Russia, played almost all of his notable junior hockey in Canada beginning when he was 14. His acclimatization to the KHL should be interesting to watch.

Torpedo, who play in the East Conference, are currently in seventh place, although they’ve played fewer games than some of the teams ahead of them. They don’t look like a playoff team, as they are not scoring much, and are allowing a lot of goals against. One of their best points-getters is former NHL defender Chris Wideman, and the top forward is Damir Zharyarov an undrafted 26 year old. One other notable forward is former AHL star Andy Miele.

For a team struggling to find talent, Der-Arguchintsev might fit the bill. He has some pro hockey experience, having played three games for the Newfoundland Growlers in the 2018-2019 season. He is expected to play in the AHL this year.

Just a week ago, Kyle Dubas suggested that they were unlikely to loan any more players to Europe citing the uncertainty of the COVID-19 situation and the difficulty in finding a team that will accept a short-term loan.  There is no information on the duration of this loan.

The KHL season is scheduled to run until February 27, with the playoffs to follow.

Maple Leafs Prospects