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Articles by Nikita Zaitsev
Salary cap could spawn NHL trade frenzy
Matt Niskanen wasn’t totally shocked when the Washington Capitals traded him to Philadelphia last week. One look at their salary cap picture explained it. “I know what kind of situation Washington was in, so I knew there was a possibility,” he said. General managers say there is more trade chatter now than at any time in recent years, and much of it has to do with a wide gap between the haves and have nots across the NHL.
Zaitsev Requests Trade and Trouba a Hot Commodity
Trade talks are heating up in the NHL. With just a few weeks to go before the draft in Vancouver, there are some big names being tossed around. Toronto Maple Leafs GM, Kyle Dubas earlier this week granted a trade request for defenceman Nikita Zaitsev. “That will be our goal, to try and find a fresh start for him – for his own personal and private reasons,” Dubas said Thursday.
Countdown to TradeCentre: Leafs not done dealing?
The National Hockey League's Trade Deadline is 3 p.m. ET on Monday, Feb. 25, and teams will be making decisions on whether to buy or sell and decide which players can make the biggest difference and hold the greatest value. On Sunday, can the Toronto Maple Leafs find a suitor for Nikita Zaitsev? Maple Leafs not done dealing? Although the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired Jake Muzzin from the Los Angeles Kings last week, the team might not be finished wheeling and dealing ahead of the deadline.
With renewed confidence, Zaitsev looks for bounce-back season
NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. – In a split second late last fall, Nikita Zaitsev's promising sophomore NHL season was instantly derailed. Facing off against Detroit on Dec. 15, the Maple Leafs defenceman broke his foot blocking a shot in front of the net. He tried to shake off the searing pain, at least long enough to finish the game, but within days was saddled with a walking boot and crutches.
With renewed confidence, Zaitsev looks for bounce-back season
NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. – In a split second late last fall, Nikita Zaitsev's promising sophomore NHL season was instantly derailed. Facing off against Detroit on Dec. 15, the Maple Leafs defenceman broke his foot blocking a shot in front of the net. He tried to shake off the searing pain, at least long enough to finish the game, but within days was saddled with a walking boot and crutches.
Leafs outmatched by Bruins in Game 1
Before the Toronto Maple Leafs played Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Boston Bruins on Thursday, coach Mike Babcock was asked what the keys were to starting a playoff series like this on the road. His response: “Goaltending, getting started on time, being disciplined, good specialty teams.” The Leafs didn't bring enough of those elements to Game 1, falling 5-1 to the Bruins to go down 1-0 in the Eastern Conference best-of-seven series.
Leafs defenceman Zaitsev returns to practice
TORONTO – It’s been a long six weeks for Nikita Zaitsev. Returning to practice with the Maple Leafs for the first time since breaking his foot blocking a shot against Detroit on Dec. 15, the usually reserved defenceman was thrilled to be back with his teammates. Not just because it meant his return to the lineup is close, but because the 26-year-old father of two needed a little change of scenery. “I spent some time at home. I’m pretty tired from my house already,” Zaitsev said with a smile.
Nathan Mackinnon News
MacKinnon, 20, was the first overall pick in 2013 and is coming off of three strong seasons to start his NHL career. In 2015-16, MacKinnon had 21 goals and 31 assists (52 points) in 72 games. He has missed 28 games over the three years, but has scored at a strong pace—22 goals, 35 assists per 82 games. Entering his age 21 season, expect MacKinnon to take another step forward. Source: Terry Frei 07/11/16, 6:47 am EST
Nasty hits, fights, and a blowout in Maple Leafs vs. Canadiens
First, the Edmonton Oilers fell 6-3 to the Dallas Stars. Next: the Toronto Maple Leafs absolutely throttled the fledgling Montreal Canadiens in a game that was ugly even beyond the 6-0 score. It’s been a bad day for embattled GMs of teams who’ve made polarizing moves in hopes of solidifying Stanley Cup contenders. The Oilers (7-11-2) and Canadiens (8-11-2) even finish the night with nearly identical records, just to really hammer home their parallel pains.
Leafs D Zaitsev hints at potential return
The Maple Leafs and Capitals didn't hold practices on Sunday and didn't make any players available to the media. Coach Mike Babcock addressed journalists during a news conference at the Air Canada Centre while Barry Trotz spoke with reporters on a conference call.
Maple Leafs sign Nikita Zaitsev to long-term extension; Ben Smith inked
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed defenceman Nikita Zaitsev to a seven-year contract extension, the team announced Tuesday. Zaitsev just completed his rookie season after signing a one-year, entry-level deal with the Maple Leafs in May 2016. His expiring deal paid him $925,000 against the salary cap, but his new deal will pay him an average of $4.5 million per season. The 25-year-old had 36 points in 82 games and played in four of the team’s six playoff games.
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