When Rob Wilson breaks down game film, the Peterborough Petes coach can’t help but notice what Semyon Der-Arguchintsev is doing.
“Defensively, he is constantly on our video for his positional play,” Wilson said. “The biggest difference with him is he is really taking responsibility in all three zones.”
In other words, one goal for the 2019-20 season is being attained by Der-Arguchintsev, chosen 76th overall by the Maple Leafs in 2018.
That Der-Arguchintsev has above-average play-making skills is obvious. His 51 assists in 41 games were third-most in the Ontario Hockey League through games on Friday, and his chemistry with fellow Leafs prospect Nick Robertson is something OHL opponents have been unable to disrupt with any consistency.
When Der-Arguchintsev headed back to Peterborough last fall after being cut by the Leafs, he wanted to add more substance to his game.
Consider it getting done.
“My goal this year to become more of an all-around player and be better on the defensive side,” Der-Arguchintsev said. “I am getting better at it, but I still have some work to do.
“I’m trying to do my best and it has gone pretty good so far.”
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