Whatever Happened to Ex-Toronto Maple Leaf Semyon Der-Arguchintsev – Hockey Writers – Toronto Maple Leafs

Every player's journey is different, and Semyon Der-Arguchintsev's story is one of persistence, skill development, adapting to new challenges, and continuing to play hockey no matter where you end up. Drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the third round (76th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, this Moscow-born center has had an interesting journey through hockey, from his time in minor hockey to the professional leagues in North America and now in Russia.

The truth is that while Semyon Der-Arguchintsev was a solid player in the KHL, he never reached the potential he had in the minors. He has a professional career in Europe, but is far from a KHL superstar. Here's a look at his journey.

From Moscow to Peterborough: Developing in the OHL

Der-Arguchintsev (later known as “SDA” by fans) made his mark as a playmaker during his four seasons with the Peterborough Petes in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Joining the Petes as a 16-year-old in 2016-17, he quickly showed flashes of his elite vision on the ice. While his rookie season was modest statistically (29 points in 63 games), his skills were undeniable.

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The following season, playing alongside Nicholas Robertson, another Maple Leafs prospect, Der-Arguchintsev began to blossom. His playmaking ability stood out, and he registered 39 assists and 51 points in 68 games during the 2017-18 season. Despite his small frame—he stands 5-foot-11 and weighs only 167 pounds—his high hockey IQ and skill set him right among top prospects.

The duo of Robertson and Der-Arguchintsev reached great heights in the 2019-20 OHL season. Der-Arguchintsev produced his most impressive rookie season: 75 points (12 goals, 63 assists) in 55 games. That year, the Petes were one of the best offensive teams in the OHL, and his chemistry with Robertson made for a powerful duo. His ability to create scoring opportunities was evident, and it was clear that Der-Arguchintsev had the potential to develop as a professional.

Der-Arguchintsev Turns Pro, His Time in the AHL and NHL

After finishing his OHL career, Der-Arguchintsev's journey began. His first taste of pro hockey came with the Newfoundland Growlers in the ECHL, where he helped the team win the Kelly Cup in 2019. Although his contributions were small (two points in three regular season games and two more in nine playoff games), it was an important stepping stone in his development.

In 2020–21, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the AHL season, Der-Arguchintsev returned to Russia to play in the KHL with Nizhny Novgorod Torpedo. This incident gave him a taste of one of the most competitive leagues in the world, recording six points in 17 games before returning to North America to join the Toronto Marlies. Over the next two seasons, he was a solid contributor for the Marlies, highlighted by a 40-point campaign (12 goals, 28 assists) in 2022-23.

Der-Arguchintsev was called up to the NHL for the 2022-23 season. Although he played just one game, he finished his short NHL career with a plus-1 rating. He was unable to break into the Maple Leafs' deep roster. After the 2022-23 season, he decided to return his talents to the KHL.

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Der-Arguchintsev got a job in the KHL, signing with Chelyabinsk Traktor. His first full season (2023-24) was a modest success, as he scored 17 goals and 34 points in 53 games. He also showed he can contribute in the playoffs, tallying 10 points in 13 postseason games. Now, in the 2024-25 season, he continues to play Traktor's role as a forward.

Der-Arguchintsev's Professional Hockey Story Continues

At 24, Der-Arguchintsev is still writing his story. When a young player bursts onto the scene, expectations are skyrocketing. Their early success often raises the prospect that, one day, they will become a major player in the NHL, or even a star. This was the case with a promising talent who once seemed destined to light up the ice, as shown in his few bright junior hockey seasons alongside Robertson and Petes. Their chemistry was undeniable, and fans envisioned a future where the youngster would be racking up assists and creating scoring opportunities for others.

At the time, it seemed almost certain that he would develop into a skilled player, dishing out assists and feeding talented scorers. He was seen as a player who, despite his size, could bring out the best in his teammates and become an integral part of an NHL system. But as often happens in hockey, the story did not turn out that way.

While he had a few moments of brilliance, the magic never returned. He struggled to find consistency, and a player who once showed a lot of potential was eventually overwhelmed by the demands of professional hockey in North America. His size, often seen as a potential limitation, may have played a role in his struggle to reach the NHL. So many players are bigger, faster, and stronger than him. Despite his obvious talent, he was unable to break through the way scouts and fans had hoped.

Der-Arguchintsev's Journey Represents Most Hockey Player Talks

Der-Arguchintsev's journey took him to several organizations before he found a home in the KHL. Today, he makes a living as a professional hockey player in a league that provides opportunities for players who may not have made it to North America. Although he is not the star that was once expected, he has made a solid career for himself in his country.

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His story serves as a reminder of the uncertainty surrounding the career path of any young player. Despite all the skills and abilities a player may have, the road to the NHL (or stardom in general) is rarely easy. For many, the dream never becomes reality. However, just because a player doesn't live up to everyone's expectations doesn't mean he hasn't achieved success. For Der-Arguchintsev, it means finding a place where he can still play the game he loves, even if it's not on the screen he's been dreaming about.