The Toronto Maple Leafs GM Kyle Dubas should be seriously considering trading Nikita Zaitsev.
The Toronto Maple Leafs need to trade Nikita Zaitsev and they need to do it fast. The teams Achilles heel is still defense. No surprise there. However, with Zaitsev that is not going to get any better, period.
While Zaitsev is a decent puck-mover with an offensive upside to his game, he is also a defensive liability. More than the Toronto Maple Leafs should be comfortable with. With Morgan Rielly, Travis Dermott and Timothy Liljegren the Toronto Maple Leafs have better alternatives for what Zaitsev brings to the ice.
Not to mention that Jake Gardiner is going to be in Toronto for at least one more season, who is also a better alternative.
So why do the Toronto Maple Leafs need to trade Zaitsev right away you ask? Here’s why:
Bad Contract
Perhaps the worst signing Lou Lamoriello made in his time as GM. Scratch that, it is absolutely the worst signing Lou made. Signed to a seven-year deal with an average cap hit of 4.5 million per year, after playing only one mediocre year in the team, that is not even the worst aspect of his contract. No, to add insult to injury, an NTC will become effective per the 2019 – 2020 season. ( per cap-friendly).
That’s why the Toronto Maple Leafs need to get rid of it, now.
Lou made a bet, a ridiculous big bet, on the wrong horse after one semi-good race.
Earning 4.5 million per year, Nikita Zaitsev is too expensive to become a third-pairing defenseman for the Toronto Maple Leafs for the next 6 years.
Expendable And Pressing The Cap Hit
As mentioned before, Nikita Zaitsev is expendable. For what he brings to the ice, the Toronto Maple Leafs have better alternatives in Rielly, Dermott and Liljegren. The naming of Timothy Liljegren may be a bit forbearing, but he showed serious promise during his Marlies stint last season. Something that can’t be said for Zaitsev after two seasons.
That being said, the cap space Zaitsev claims should be cleared for the future signings, like Travis Dermott. While Dermott (2 seasons) and Liljegren (3 seasons) will be on friendly contracts for some time, it will be harder to move Zaitsev by that time due to his modified NTC.
Possible Destination And Return
Just because Zaitsev is a bad fit for the Leafs, doesn’t mean he won’t fit anywhere. There are plenty of teams that could use a right-shot defenseman with good puck-moving abilities.
A possible destination could be the Anaheim Ducks, who should be in the market for a right-shot defenseman. Not to mention the Toronto Maple Leafs and Anaheim Ducks have been happy trade partners in the past.
Next: Leafs Main Off Season Targets
Don’t expect a high return for Nikita Zaitsev, a couple of picks (second round and a higher one perhaps), would be a good deal. The biggest return the Leafs would get from trading Zaitsev is cap space.
Would you want to keep Zaitsev or trade him away? Let me know in the comment section!