Leafs recall Soshnikov ahead of contract deadline

There's nothing like waiting until the last minute.

On Tuesday, the Toronto Maple Leafs recalled forward Nikita Soshnikov from the AHL's Marlies, one day prior to when the Russian skater could exercise an opt-out clause in his contract to return to the KHL.

Soshnikov, 24, sits second in Marlies scoring this year, as he's collected five goals and seven assists in 14 games. He recorded nine points in 56 games with the Maple Leafs last season.

As an undrafted free agent, Soshnikov signed with Toronto in March 2015. Prior to coming to North America, he played two seasons with the KHL's Moscow Oblast Atlant, finishing the 2014-15 campaign with 32 points in 57 games.

Forward Frederik Gauthier was loaned to the Marlies in place of Soshnikov.