Toronto Maple Leafs: The case for signing Sergei Andronov
By Paul Taylor
Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas was recently in Russia and is reportedly interested in potentially signing Sergei Andronov.
It’s common knowledge among Toronto Maple Leafs fans, that general manager Kyle Dubas was in Russia on Tuesday for the KHL game between Lokomotiv and CSKA Moskow. Dubas was there to watch Lokomotiv’s Yegor Korshkov.
Korshokov was drafted by the Leafs with the 31st pick in 2016, and has only recently returned from injury. However, this wasn’t the only reason Dubas was at the game.
As per Sportsnet‘s Elliotte Friedman, the Leafs’ GM was also scouting Sergei Andronov, who is a pending free agent. The Buds are apparently one of several NHL teams who are interested in the player.
If the name rings a bell, it’s because Andronov was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in 2009. Here is his scouting report from that year, courtesy of SB Nation:
"Played on both the top line and top power play unit for Team Russia at the U-20 World Juniors … a gifted player with very nice puck distribution skills and very good hockey sense … has great hands and is able to weave around defenders to create space … not a big hitter, but he doesn’t shy from contact … has seen his draft stock rise in the second half of the season … speed, technique and game without the puck make him a solid prospect, and experience gained in the last two seasons make him a more NHL-ready prospect … Ranked fifth-best prospect in Russia for the 2009 Entry Draft by “Russian Prospects.com. NHL CENTRAL SCOUTING FINAL RANKING: 24 Europe."
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Andronov’s experience in North America is limited, having played just two seasons in the AHL with the Peoria Rivermen and Chicago Wolves in 2012-13 and 2013-14 respectively. His success was also limited during that time, with just 45 points (21 goals and 24 assists) in 112 combined appearances.
The 29-year-old did sign a deal with the Blues in 2013. However, he returned home to Russia in 2014, to join CSKA Moscow.
In truth, Andronov’s offensive game is limited. Consider that since returning to Russia he has just 53 points (29 goals and 24 assists) in 227 regular season games, along with another 13 points (nine goals and four assists) in 49 playoff appearances.*
* All statistics correct as of Jan. 10, 2019
So why would the Leafs be interested in signing the Russian international? The main reasons would be his elite status as a faceoff man and as a decent defensive centre. (He has also previously played as a winger.)
As per Gavin Lee of Pro Hockey Rumors, the Leafs likely see Andronov as a fourth line centre and a penalty kill option. He is also an excellent skater who offers good size.
One final factor which will play into any attempts to sign the Penza, Russia native, is his potential salary. TSN‘s Darren Dreger reports that he would be in line to make between $1.5-$2 million next season.
Given the Leafs’ pending salary cap situation for the 2019-20 campaign due to all the key players who need re-signing, Andronov could prove to be too expensive. Combined with the amount of overall interest in the player and the genuine possibility he may prefer to stay in Russia, the likelihood is he won’t end up in Southern Ontario.
Next. Michael Hutchinson or Garret Sparks?. dark
What’s your take on Andronov? Would you like to see the Toronto Maple Leafs sign him? What kind of impact would you predict for him in Southern Ontario? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.