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.
