Ex-Leafs defenseman heading to Europe after being unable to secure an NHL deal
Free agency can be tough for players who fail to secure an NHL deal, and for former Leafs defenseman Nikita Zaitsev, a return to the KHL was his best option.
Once upon a time, Zaitsev was viewed as a very important piece for the future of the Maple Leafs' blueline. That much was evident by the 7-year, $31.5M deal he was signed to by former Leafs GM Lou Lamoriello back in 2017.
Unfortunately for Zaitsev, a drastic downward spiral in his performance led to the Russian defenseman being traded to the Ottawa Senators, where he toiled away for 4 seasons before ultimately landing in Chicago for his last 2 seasons.
Now, according to TSN's Chris Johnston, Zaitsev is headed back to the KHL, signing a 4-year contract with SKA St. Petersburg.
Prior to signing in Toronto as a free agent back in 2016-17, Zaitsev had spent parts of 5 seasons in the KHL.
Zaitsev produced just 22 goals and 118 points across 482 games in his NHL career. He also added 2 assists in 18 career playoff games, all with the Maple Leafs.
Source: HockeyDBNikita Zaitsev stats and bio
| POLL | ||
4 JUILLET | 546 ANSWERS Ex-Leafs defenseman heading to Europe after being unable to secure an NHL deal Will Nikita Zaitsev ever play another NHL game? | ||
| Yes | 71 | 13 % |
| No | 475 | 87 % |
| List of polls | ||
