Now Shanny wants one from the Red Army, too.
And getting this one may not be easy, either.
Nikita Zaitsev, who just turned 24, is 6’2, 196 pounds and still filling out. He’s defensively solid, but it’s his offence that brings the NHL teams calling. He’s a strong-skating, puck-moving defenceman with a nice first pass and a big shot — big enough to blast 11 powerplay goals in 57 games last year.
Did I mention he’s a right-side defenceman?
He’s a right-side defenceman.
If Shanahan can add that kind of player, in that position, without having to use up a top draft pick, the Leafs rebuild adds a storey overnight.