European Prospects Toronto Maple Leafs Should Sign

Int’l Hockey Crowd (s.yume – Flickr) [https://www.flickr.com/photos/syume/]Nikita Zaitsev, Russia

Zaitsev is 23 years-old and a big part of the CSKA Moskva defence crop. He is a fine passer and has an okay shot from the point. He could improve his physical game and add some bulk to his 6’1″ 187 lbs. frame. Zaitsev plays a smart two-way game.

The Russian defence man recorded 12 goals and 23 assists in 57 games played for CSKA Moskva this season, and would be able to handle bottom six/depth defence man in the NHL next year and a top 4 defence man with the Marlies.

Next: #7 Centre Linus Froberg, BIK Karlskoga, Sweden