Zaitsev - opinions?

[jman]

I could use some opinions on this guy. What will he turn into in this league? Player comparable? Bust? How does he do with the cats in my sig?

Thanks.

[Eskimo Brother]

+/- won't be great because he's with Toronto. Likely second fiddle to M. Rielly at most on the PP. Hits/blks are tough to quantify before he plays in the league. As for points, I think the general consensus is somewhere around 30.

[Kabonov]

Agree it's still growing pains in Toronto... Toronto Media likes to Hype the Kids up but everyone has top tier kids...

Zaitsev - I think he's in the 30pts range too (give or take 5) more NHL value then fantasy. (2nd pairing most likely)

[lucafen4]

Agree it's still growing pains in Toronto... Toronto Media likes to Hype the Kids up but everyone has top tier kids...

Zaitsev - I think he's in the 30pts range too (give or take 5) more NHL value then fantasy. (2nd pairing most likely)

True, they do, but he's 24, he's not really a child. He led Russia in ice time at the world championships in April, he was top pair for Russia at the world cup and played exceptionally well on the smaller surface. He hasn't missed a beat joining the Leafs. He's a very solid 2-way Dman who plays very well in his own end, skates well with and without the puck, passes well and as a booming shot. 30pt floor this year and I am in the minority on here that thinks he can push 40pts this year. If he gets #1 PP time from the get-go, 40 is a real possibility. He doesn't seem to be a huge hitter, but 100 hits and 120+blocks would seem realistic as well.

[Sulla]

definitely in the minority on that 40 point projection...

[stevegamer]

What would you guys think the chance is of him being the main power play defenseman instead of Reilly, at any point in the near future, say this year or next?

[Sulla]

I think it may be more a revolving door rather than anything for an extended time as it stands right now