Winnipeg Jets Trade Rumors Heat Up as Der-Arguchintsev Eyes Maple Leafs Return

Winnipeg Jets trade rumors are already shaping the early offseason narrative, but they’re only half the story: Semyon Der-Arguchintsev’s agent has confirmed the forward is exploring a return to the Toronto Maple Leafs organization after two seasons in the KHL. The parallel threads — a Jets front office weighing the value of the No. 7 pick and a young playmaker looking for an NHL path — make this a compelling spring for decision-makers.

Semyon Der-Arguchintsev — Maple Leafs return? (semyon der-arguchintsev)

Prediction: Der-Arguchintsev signs a short-term NHL deal and battles for a roster spot; AHL time is possible but the Leafs could offer a one-way, low‑cost contract.

Context & analysis: Agent Shumi Babaev confirmed discussions with now-former Maple Leafs GM Brad Treliving and said Semyon’s KHL contract expires May 31. He scored 6 goals and added 30 assists in 59 KHL games this season — clear evidence of playmaking ability and transition readiness. Babaev signaled interest in a one-way contract “closer to the league minimum,” while acknowledging the realistic possibility of AHL starts.

Team implications: For Toronto, Der-Arguchintsev represents inexpensive depth and a creative option down the middle/wing (playing time dependent). If a new GM is bullish, he could be a low-risk signing that adds NHL upside without blocking top prospects. If Toronto passes, other clubs seeking playmaking depth could pounce.

Jets draft and roster scenarios (winnipeg jets trade rumors)

Prediction: The Jets keep the No. 7 pick but remain open to trading it if offered an elite young NHLer under contract; blockbuster trades of core veterans are unlikely unless the return is transformational.

Context & analysis: The Athletic’s Murat Ates notes right-shot defensemen Keaton Verhoeff and Daxon Rudolph and centers Tynan Lawrence or Caleb Malhotra as realistic targets at No. 7. Winnipeg also has Buffalo’s 2027 second-rounder to package. Front-office options include: draft high-end talent and convince them to stay, flip the pick for a cost-controlled star, or package prospects for secondary scoring.

Trade implications — big names on the table

• Connor Hellebuyck trade: Would fetch a top-four defenseman or second-line center in some proposals; realistically, Jets should only move Hellebuyck for a franchise-altering return. (connor hellebuyck trade)
• Kyle Connor trade: Full no-move clause complicates this; moving Connor would require exceptional return and likely player buy-in.
• Josh Morrissey / Mark Scheifele: Ates suggests trading either would be risky and likely demand a top-1C/1D return — unlikely unless Winnipeg swings for a rebuild.

Player-by-player quick read

• Leo Carlsson / Jason Robertson: Logical targets if Jets want to convert the No. 7 pick into immediate top-end scoring; would require giving up significant assets.
• Brad Lambert, Nikita Chibrikov, Colby Barlow, Sascha Boumedienne: Packageable prospects for a secondary scorer; plausible but not blockbuster.

Market trends and turning points

Teams are balancing draft capital against cost-controlled NHL-ready talent. The Jets’ decision to keep or trade No. 7 hinges on whether they can acquire a known commodity (entry-level or RFA) who accelerates contention without mortgaging the future.

Outlook: Expect conservative maneuvers early in the offseason — the Leafs will wait for a new GM before acting on Der-Arguchintsev, and the Jets will field calls but likely only make a seismic move if it clearly upgrades the roster. Keep an eye on Hellebuyck and the conversations around No. 7 — those are the true accelerants for this intriguing offseason.