Toronto Maple Leafs sign Semyon Der-Aguchinstsev to entry level contract
By James Reeve
The Toronto Maple Leafs announced the signing of Semyon Der-Arguchintsev to a three-year entry-level contract on Friday.
The contract comes after Semyon Der-Arguchintsev, commonly referred to as SDA, impressed greatly during the Toronto Maple Leafs’ training camp and pre-season games.
The Leafs selected SDA in the third round (76th overall) in this year’s entry draft, with the Russian centre being the youngest player in the entire draft – having been born on the first day of eligibility.
As a result, SDA only turned 18 years old a week ago and will most likely play this season with the Peterborough Petes once more.
The @MapleLeafs announced today that the hockey club has signed forward Semyon Der-Arguchintsev to a three-year entry level contract. #TMLtalk
— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) September 22, 2018
As a 17-year-old last season, SDA earned 51 points (12 goals and 39 assists) in 68 regular season games for the Petes.
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This year, Der-Arguchintsev should be expected to put up significantly higher numbers, while continuing to grow physically.
His impressive skating and playmaking abilities have enticed fans, giving them much higher hopes for a third-round draft pick than usual.
When the Leafs named teams to play against the Ottawa Senators in pre-season, fans cried out for the youngster to be included – finally getting their wish as he dressed in the Leafs’ 5-3 victory over the Buffalo Sabres.
Der-Arguchintsev took the face-off that led to Chris Mueller scoring the Leafs’ third goal in the game against the Sabres.
The 5-foot-10, 159 pounds centre still has room to grow, but the early impression is that he could potentially be a steal who has a real shot at progressing into the NHL in the future.
It is also interesting to note that Der-Arguchintsev received a contract offer from the Toronto Maple Leafs before Sean Durzi, a defenceman who was actually selected in the second round (52nd overall) in this year’s draft – 24 spots ahead of SDA.
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What do you think Leafs Nation? Will SDA go on to improve during this upcoming season in the OHL? Does he have the potential to surprise everyone and make it to the NHL in the future? Let us know your thoughts and first impressions in the comments below.