Veteran defenseman Nikita Zaitsev officially leaves the NHL after nine years
The NHL has seen many players depart for Europe in recent years, and now a former Maple Leafs blue liner has made the decision to head back to Russia.
After nine years in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks, Nikita Zaitsev has made his next step known. According to TSN's Chris Johnston, the 32-year old undrafted defenseman is heading back home to play for SKA St. Petersburg.
Nikita Zaitsev is heading home to Russia on a four-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg. He played eight seasons in the NHL with Chicago, Ottawa and Toronto.
The move marks the end of a respectable NHL career, where Zaitsev tallied 482 games, netting 22 goals and scoring 118 points for three teams, while providing excellent defense with his impressive 6-foot-2 frame.
Nikita Zaitsev has signed a 4-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL.
At 32-years old, if he sees out the four-year deal in the KHL, it's unlikely that he will ever return to the NHL, and after making great money in North America, it would be a fitting way to wrap up a solid hockey career.
| POLL | ||
Will Nikita Zaitsev play in the NHL again? | ||
| Yes | 41 | 19.9 % |
| No | 165 | 80.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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