Candidates for Maple Leafs defenseman Zaitsev
James Mirtle of The Athletic: The Toronto Maple Leafs will continue to try and trade defenseman Nikita Zaitsev and meet his request. After July 1st he may be easier to move as a $3 million bonus will be paid out.
Aside from his contract, the list of teams that are interested may not be that big because of:
a) have a hole at right defence
b) have cap space to absorb the contract without giving a lot back
c) like Zaitsev in a top-four role?
The Leafs would like to get a right-handed defenseman in return for Zaitsev.
So who might be interested, and listed in ranked order? Leading Candidates:
Edmonton Oilers – There was a Connor Brown for Matt Benning rumor during the season. A Brown and Zaitsev for Benning makes sense. What about a Kasperi Kapanen or Andreas Johnsson and Zaitsev for Adam Larsson?
Vancouver Canucks – Have shown some interest. Could the Maple Leafs try to get Chris Tanev back in a deal?
Anaheim Ducks – Need defensemen, but a return wouldn’t be much.
They Maybes – Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, New York Islanders, Florida Panthers, Philadelphia Flyers, Arizona Coyotes, Winnipeg Jets, Los Angeles Kings, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, and New Jersey Devils.
Unlikely Teams – Ottawa Senators, Vegas Golden Knights, Tampa Bay Lightning, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Colorado Avalanche, Montreal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, San Jose Sharks, Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, Columbus Blue Jackets and the Boston Bruins.
Andrew Berkshire of Sportsnet: The 28-year old Nikita Zaitsev carries a $4.5 million salary cap hit through 2023-24.
The right defenseman played over 20 minutes per game, down from the 22 plus the previous two seasons.
Zone starts for Zaitsev: “37.6 per cent of his ice time in the offensive zone, 39.8 per cent in the defensive zone, and 22.6 per cent in the neutral zone.”
His points have dropped, and his turnover rate among Leafs defensemen was the worst.
The Leafs are trying to get some value for him but it may be tough one.
“Maybe the Leafs can find a team who ‘saw him good’ and is willing to overpay, but expectations on the return should be set relatively low.”