The Toronto Maple Leafs, like just about every contending club, have a tight cap situation. Moreover, years of trading picks and prospects to bolster playoff runs have left the club woefully bereft of young pieces.
But then again, one of the mechanisms that contenders have found to inject youth into their clubs is free agency. Well, not the traditional July 1 free agency. This free agency process involves bringing in undrafted players from overseas or poaching NCAA players.
There’s one player, however, that should not go unnoticed by the Maple Leafs. That player is Vitali Pinchuk of the Dinamo Minsk.
In a December 16 piece, RG’s Sergey Demidov discussed Pinchuk’s plans and future in an exclusive interview. During the chat, Pinchuk told Demidov about his plans and revealed why he could be a good option for the Maple Leafs, or pretty much any team in the league.
Some observers have compared Pinchuk’s game to that of fellow Russian Kirill Kaprizov. But the consensus seems that Pinchuk could resemble Pittsburgh Penguins superstar Evgeni Malkin.
That’s something the Maple Leafs could certainly use. Pinchuk is pretty much a point-per-game player (31 points in 34 games) and someone getting plenty of attention. But that’s not something fazing the 23-year-old. Pinchuk told Demidov:
“Of course, I feel more attention this year,” Pinchuk said. “But my agent told me that teams are talking to him for now and not bothering me too much. I’m focused on the KHL season. After that, we’ll see what comes next.”
Pinchuk’s contract ends at the end of the 2025-26 KHL season. At that point, he would be free to sign with the Maple Leafs or anywhere he chooses. That could make him a highly attractive choice to numerous teams.
Pinchuk Could Step in Almost Immediately into Maple Leafs Lineup
At 23, the former Kingston Frontenacs player is farther ahead in his development that then average prospect. As such, the center-starved Maple Leafs could find a viable option down the middle.
Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy. He’d still have to acclimate to the North American game. So, a stint in the AHL may not be a bad place to start. But then again, Russian players have had a good track record of adjusting well to the NHL.
Pinchuk could cut his teeth on the wing before eventually moving to center. If the Malkin comparison is accurate, Pinchuk could be a solid top-six center before long.
Toronto Not Only Team Interested in Pinchuk
As Demidov noted, several teams have scouted Pinchuk. As such, there might be somewhat of a bidding war for the young forward. It would largely depend on who offers the best opportunity for his development.
But then again, the Maple Leafs may have an inside edge. As mentioned, Pinchuk played for the Kingston Frontenacs during the 2019-20 season. The COVID pandemic forced Pinchuk to return to Russia following the cancellation of the OHL season.
Pinchuk went undrafted. But his experience in the OHL, precisely in Kingston, could make the Maple Leafs somewhat of a familiar destination. While the same could be said about the Ottawa Senators, the Leafs may become more appealing to Pinchuk.
Ultimately, the Maple Leafs would be remiss if they didn’t kick the tires on this rising star. The Leafs need as much young talent as they can get. Vitali Pinchuk would certainly qualify as that.
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