What does Nikita Soshnikov’s future hold in Toronto?

Just because Nikita Soshnikov has only recorded 14 points in 67 NHL games, it shouldn’t fool you into thinking he can’t be an impact player at the NHL level, let alone an NHL regular.

The Leafs surplus of wingers may result in a player like Soshnikov, who played 56 games with the club last season, not wearing a Maple Leafs sweater this year… or ever again.

“The strength of the (Leafs) is on the wing..there’s guys that aren’t playing that are real good there,” said Marlies head coach Sheldon Keefe after the team’s 3-2 loss to the Laval Rocket.

Getting a spot as an extra forward, let alone ice-time with the Leafs likely isn’t going to happen for Soshnikov, as Josh Leivo, Kasperi Kapanen, Dominic Moore, and Eric Fehr have all been getting in the lineup before the 24-year-old Russian forward would.

And with the Marlies, Soshnikov isn’t the team’s only option.

Far from it.

Andreas Johnsson, Kerby Rychel, Ben Smith, Dmytro Timashov and Jeremy Bracco, among others, round out a talented group of wingers that join Soshnikov on a crowded Marlies team, reducing the number of reps Soshnikov will get as he tries to work his way back up to the NHL.

“It’s hard to get minutes for everybody,” said Keefe. “You try to find guys that stand out on that particular night and give them their opportunities that day. But each day is kind of different. It seems to be someone different (performing well) each night.”

The surplus of talented forwards has resulted in Soshnikov playing middle six minutes in the AHL, but that hasn’t stopped Soshnikov from recording eight points in his first 10 contests, while also being an integral component to the team’s power play and penalty kill.

There’s little doubt that if the Russian forward wasn’t piled under a stacked Leafs depth chart, he’d crack a lot of team’s NHL rosters.

With his contract expiring at the end of this season, Soshnikov could opt to bolt to the KHL, as the Leafs still may not have a spot for him next year. So, trade him to get an asset? Or, keep him, and not hinder the team’s strong-suit of forward depth?

Making the argument to keep Soshnikov is twofold.

For starters–Soshnikov can flat-out play, and it’s a treat to watch. “He’s a good player,” said Keefe. “He’s spent time in the NHL– he’s fast, and he’s good on the puck.”

Soshnikov’s skill can translate to the NHL level, and we’ve seen flashes of such over his last few stints with the big club.

There’s no doubt Soshnikov can create plays for himself, no matter what line he plays on.

Even as he recovers from battling concussion symptoms this past summer, it doesn’t appear as if Soshnikov has skipped a beat. If anything–he looks like a more well-rounded player. By watching the game tape, it’s obvious that Soshnikov isn’t your typical fourth line NHL player. But for a stacked Leafs team, having someone like Soshnikov in your arsenal in case of an injury or a trade, provides a security blanket.

Despite playing on the Marlies “third line,” (even though the team’s top-nine is quite evenly balanced), Soshnikov has proved to be a dominant player at both ends of the ice, and on both of the team’s special team’s units. The best of Sosh is yet to come, and it might be worthwhile for the Leafs to hold on to the young winger.

You can never have too much depth in the NHL, and for a Leafs team hoping to make a lengthy playoff run–hanging on to Sosh could be a wise play, no matter what his status is with the team for next year, and beyond.

Looking onward, Soshnikov’s services could be needed next year if the team decides to move on from one, two, or all three of Leo Komarov, James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Bozak, whose contracts expire at the end of this season.

There’s a lot of reasons for the Leafs to sell-high on Soshnikov. First off, as we said above–Soshnikov could bolt to the KHL at the end of this season.

In looking at the Leafs depth chart, even with possible subtractions up front– it’s unlikely Soshnikov can reach his full potential with the Leafs, and with his RFA expiry status, Soshnikov could leave for greener pastures, and enjoy a boatload more money, playing time, and opportunity in his homeland.

The market for Soshnikov is an enigma, but if he can continue playing the way he is and garner the Leafs a midround pick– that could be used as a valuable trade chip once the deadline rolls around. For a team such as the Arizona Coyotes or the Edmonton Oilers, two teams that could use an improvement on their penalty kill and secondary scoring–Soshnikov could be a worthy investment. He isn’t snagging you a first rounder or a top-six forward, but shipping him out of town might be the best option if the fit isn’t there in Toronto for team nor player.

Once the trade deadline rolls around, a third or round pick is a valuable commodity in the rental market, and for a Leafs team in need of an upgrade on the backend, having an extra fourth or fifth round pick, instead of a depth player that won’t get into your lineup, is something that Lou Lamoriello should consider.

Losing Soshnikov is hardly the end of the world for a Leafs team that’ll have a plethora of call-up options if need be. Soshnikov may not return to the fold, so getting value while you can is essential, especially if the Leafs are looking to make a move for a defenceman around the deadline.