There is one fewer participant in the free agent carousel, but it is still in motion. Today, information about defenseman Nikita Zaitsev’s decision to play again in Russia surfaced. Eight-year NHL veteran Zaitsev recently inked a four-year contract with KHL team SKA St. Petersburg.
Nikita Zaitsev Transaction Appointed By SKA St. Petersburg
During his NHL career, Zaitsev has played for the Ottawa Senators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Chicago Blackhawks. In 38 games this season, the 32-year-old recorded two goals and five assists for seven points. His relative Corsi was -2.2 and his corsi was 42.9. In the last game, the veteran defender was hindered by injuries. He missed a significant portion of the campaign due to a knee injury.
In 482 career games, the Moscow native has accumulated 118 points with 22 goals and 96 assists. Early in May 2016, Zaitsev signed a free agent contract with the Maple Leafs as an undrafted player. He also participated in the KHL with CSKA Moscow and Sibir Novosibirsk. In both 2015 and 2016, the seasoned blueliner was named a KHL All-Star twice.
He has competed at both the junior and senior levels for his native Russia. Zaitsev competed for the IIHF World Junior Championship team in 2011. Along with the Russian squad, he won two bronze medals in 2016 and 2019.
Zaitsev Persists in His Russian Career
If he could maintain his health, Zaitsev could always be a valuable member of a team. He hadn’t participated in more than 65 games during a season since the Maple Leafs’ 2018–19 campaign. The seasoned defenseman might not score as many goals in the NHL as he did in the KHL. Nevertheless, at six feet two inches and almost 200 pounds, he has a large build. I hope he can finish off his career with a few successful seasons back home in Russia.
Leave a Reply