After a difficult season, TOR and Nikita Zaitsev are working together to find him a fresh start. He is available and we will see where it goes.
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) May 30, 2019Nikita Zaitsev, arguably one of the most successful European free agent signings ever, is not well liked by fans of the Maple Leafs. His 2018-2019 season wasn’t great, although his play with Jake Muzzin was better than with any other partner during his time on the Leafs. That hasn’t helped his image, though.
Zaitsev has been used primarily in a defensive, tough-minutes role, and his mild ability to assist in offence disappeared in that usage.