Now, a Zaitsev trade will be complex. From the Toronto Maple Leafs perspective, a deal will alleviate $4.5 million in cap space, a significant number in creating room this summer. On the flip side, it will create another hole on defense, one where Zaitsev is seemingly the only NHL quality right-handed option.
For the team acquiring Zaitsev, they will have to stomach a $4.5 million cap hit for the next five seasons. The Leafs cannot afford to retain on Zaitsev due to the term remaining on his contract, so any acquiring team will need to have space in addition to a need on defense.