Maple Leafs announce key roster move

It's an East vs. West showdown tonight deep in the heart of Texas, as the Toronto Maple Leafs take their show on the road for a matchup against the Dallas Stars. 

And ahead of their game tonight, the Leafs have announced that they've called up a key reinforcement from the American Hockey League affiliate Toronto Marlies in the form of Semyon Der-Arguchintsev. And all signs point to him making his NHL debut tonight, while wearing jersey number 85.

The door was opened for him to make his debut after the news that Calle Jarnkrok would be missing the immediate future was announced. And it's an opportunity for him to strut his stuff at the NHL level. 

"The Järnkork injury created an opportunity for another player to come up," explained head coach Sheldon Keefe. "All the reports through the season with the Marlies have been glowing in regard to Semy’s play, particularly his play away from the puck, his consistency, his work habits, and his competitiveness — all of the things we have been asking him to do for quite some time now. The reports are he has delivered on that."

"The opportunity is there. You bring him in. We will get him right involved and give him an opportunity to go and play."

Keefe went on to describe Der-Arguchintsev's hockey skills and his own personality, both of which can be used to Toronto's advantage. 

"Well, he is different, right?" Keefe said. "He is not the traditional hockey player you encounter. He is a very unique guy. He has a unique skill set and plays the game in a unique way as well."

"That is part of his growth: to find that balance of using the skill and the type of slower, more methodical game that he plays but also being able to play and compete in the high-paced, physical, competitive game that is the NHL  — and the AHL, for that matter — and adjusting to that."

Tonight's game begins at 8:30 PM EST.