Nikita Zaitsev

[Rodgort]

It will take more than just the #10, I think. Perhaps that pick and the #17 has a chance.

Do that then too. Right now I'd say he'd be better than anyone you could get at #10

[Eskimo Brother]

I could also use the No. 10 pick to get Kyle Connor, work out a trade with that as the basis.

Not sure how I missed this, if it got edited in later or not, but definitely see if you can make that happen. It would be 100% worth it.

[blackaces]

Finally. Can't wait to see him play.

[Eskimo Brother]

Great addition and he should fit in nicely. Hopefully on the second pairing and we can see how he goes from there.

[StuntMan12]

what has been your general assertion on Zaitsev? how is he doing so far

[jman]

He's been OK. Not blowing the lid off but also not busting. 9 assists (0 goals) in 24 games but he does block a lot of shots and hit a bunch. Pretty decent start to the season for a guy acclimatizing to the Bigs. Babcock seems to like him too as he gets 22 minutes a night. I see the D situation in Toronto as fairly undetermined so there is real potential here (although when everything washes out, Rielly will be the top dog on that blueline).

[fungchen3]

Zaitsev plays a good game. He has some untapped offensive potential but the Leafs are suddenly loaded with some decent weapons in Matthews, Marner, Nylander, Rielly, JVR, Bozak, Kadri and Gardiner. Under a coach like Babcock, Zaitsev is going to focus on his defensive play first and foremost, so we won't see him branch out offensively until Feb IMO. Talent-wise, I think he could be a 40-45 point defenseman - opportunity is another thing though.

[Sulla]

And his next contract will be the other thing... He came over on peanuts to prove a point he won't take peanuts a second time so does he price himself out....

[Mr. Guru]

He could only come over on a ELC.

His next contract should be around 3.5ish

He's playing top pair minutes already. He's going to be at worst a 3-4 guy.

[lucafen4]

Zaitsev needs too shoot more.. all the highlights from the KHL show this wicked backswing slapper.. yet to see it in 20+ games. He seems almost too concerned with passing it off.

[Mr. Guru]

Good point.

We haven't really seen that clapper yet. He's off both PP units (for) now so he wont even get as many attempts to use it. We'll see as the season progresses.

[Sulla]

He could only come over on a ELC.

His next contract should be around 3.5ish

He's playing top pair minutes already. He's going to be at worst a 3-4 guy.

but it didn't have to be a one year ELC


Would like to think you are right with the 3.5 but when you consider the going rate for d men I think he will be north of 4 especially as he is playing top pairing minutes...

[Mr. Guru]

Zaitsev’s deal with the Leafs was a one-year entry level contract, as those were the only terms permitted given his age.

[lucafen4]

Good point.

We haven't really seen that clapper yet. He's off both PP units (for) now so he wont even get as many attempts to use it. We'll see as the season progresses.

lots of time...watching him play, he's a really solid Dman... he's making the right plays so far, he's not making aggressive plays. Rarely have I seen him full on join the rush and get behind the other teams net. He did more of that in the KHL. There's unutilized offensive skills in his repertoire.

[The Black Panther]

He could only come over on a ELC.

His next contract should be around 3.5ish

He's playing top pair minutes already. He's going to be at worst a 3-4 guy.

i think it will be closer to 4.5