Russian defenseman Nikita Zaitsev is set to join the Toronto Maple Leafs, reports Aivis Kalnins of One Puck Short.
Sergei Fedorov has confirmed that Nikita Zaitsev will join Leafs, stated he knew from the start of the season that they had an agreement.
— Aivis Kalniņš (@aiviskalnins) April 13, 2016
The deal had been rumored for months, as Kalnins reports an agreement was reached at the start of the season to bring Zaitsev stateside following the completion of the KHL season.
Here’s what Thomas Drance of the Nations Network wrote about Zaitsev back in October.
“There’s a lot to like about Zaitsev’s game. He’s still in his prime, and he’s a thick-bodied defenseman that has produced points at a good rate in the KHL over the past couple of years. He’s got a heavy shot, and has NHL-size. And he’s available to teams with zero acquisition cost.”
Zaitsev has had a solid campaign with CSKA Moscow scoring eight goals and 26 points in 46 regular season games. In the playoffs, he’s been dynamite with 4 goals and 13 points in 21 games, including three straight goals to open the KHL finals.
It’s a smart, low-cost gamble by the Leafs and one which could pay off in a big way. Zaitsev is young enough where he can still get better, but should make an immediate impact. I doubt he’s coming over to play AHL minutes and assume he’s going to be with the Leafs right away. With Morgan Rielly and Jake Gardiner already on the blueline, signing Zaitsev adds another impressive, relatively young body on the backend.
Signing Zaitsev would be another solid move from Leafs management.
