Confirmed with Link: Maple Leafs re-sign Nikita Zaitsev for 7 years, $4.5M per

[Steven1562]

Good deal. Term is a bit long so we are taking a risk but Zaitsev is a good pro and i know he won't disappoint us.

 

[hotpaws]

pretty good value deal for a 2nd pair D , if he has another level it'll be a steal

if he gets lazy/contented LL will make up an injury and he'll become a resident of Robidas island

 

[taurine330]

Just got the notification from TheScore. Great news!

 

[ACC1224]

Seems like a low risk, potentially high reward contract.

 

[taurine330]

Expansion draft fodder?

Correct. He got his 40/70 in the last few games of the season.

 

[Leafidelity]

Good deal. Term is a bit long so we are taking a risk but Zaitsev is a good pro and i know he won't disappoint us.

We're not taking any risk. We essentially bought up his NHL career. If he declines enough that he can't make the Leafs - which I can't see for years - he just retires and goes back home to Russia.

 

[FlareKnight]

That's fair. And I get why the 7 years. This whole thing was basically covered in depth a while ago.

It's good money for at least a second pairing guy. Someone who also had to make the shift from the KHL to the NHL. Seems like a move that makes sense and isn't too much.

Also hey....Smith gets his contract .

 

[Daisy Jane]

Okay I looked it up.

When Jake got his contract extension it was in 2013-2014. So he had had his concussion, the free-Jake drama, and a playoff series, then he got a 5 year deal and people were like eesssh. and for the most part, Jake played up to that contract.

So, I'm not understanding why it is "scary etc" to do the same thing with Z. (but having 2 extra years) - where it it has always been that the thing that Z wanted was security. so you pay 2 extra years for it - at the same cost it was for Jake. Discourse of course is always appreciated.

 

[indigobuffalo]

Amazing deal. Guys, Phaneuf is being paid $7M.

$7 bleeding million.

And I've always been a Phaneuf supporter and recognize he's added value to OTT's backend, but Zaitsev and Rielly are inked to contracts totalling $9.5M.

Add Gardiner that's $13.55M!!

Long term!!

 

[Steven1562]

We're not taking any risk. We essentially bought up his NHL career. If he declines enough that he can't make the Leafs - which I can't see for years - he just retires and goes back home to Russia.

I'm talking about if he get injured or can't replicate this past season. Any time you take on a player for 7 years there is a slight risk. That being said i don't think it will be a bad contract. Zaitsev has shown the coaching staff he's a hard worker and will continue to get better.

 

[BeLeafer11]

I don't understand anyone who references "after 1 year"? He's been an excellent professional hockey player for a few years now. A bit of a risk on the term but well worth it given the AAV IMO.

 

[Gallagbi]

I jump back and forth on this. He's a middle pairing RHD, which is in demand, but I don't love his style and have questions about how he settles in long term.

 

[PuckMagi]

sounds good to me

 

[ACC1224]

We're not taking any risk. We essentially bought up his NHL career. If he declines enough that he can't make the Leafs - which I can't see for years - he just retires and goes back home to Russia.

Why would he do that?

 

[Amadeus]

Love it. He's a core piece. Welcome back, Zaitsy!

 

[I Believe]

Put up 36 points and he didn't even look that comfortable offensively.

I think he could have some 45-50 point seasons ahead of him.

 

[Nooodles]

Great. I expected about the same amount...maybe +/- 250K. You know...+/-....

 

[67Cup]

It can now be revealed! The true cause of the explosions and fire under King St yesterday was Don Cherry hearing the details of this signing.

 

[thewave]

Was hoping for a 4m x 6. Will accept the extra year and .5 (3.5m) as a strong message to players around the KHL etc that the dream can come true in Toronto. We will do right by you.

Great deal overall.

 

[burpsalot]

I was thinking it was going to be $5mill/yr. Price is absolutely right. Played top 2 minutes & was 28th in the league for TOI. He earned his pay & raise despite what Cherry thinks. Give him time to mature as an NHL D.

Anyone that wants to complain about it, is just being goofy.

 

[Superstar]

Long term contracts always make me nervous. However, if z continues to develop under babs I will love this in no time. Was nervous when the kadri deal was announced and now it's basically grand larceny. Here's to the same outcome

He won't be 40 like Shea Weber when his contract ends.

 

[TMLife*]

Great season from Zaits, well deserved contract.

Keep working hard and pushing for the next level

 

[Menzinger]

Not a huge fan of the term - but can live with it. His Russian connection will make burying the contract a lot easier if things go sour later on.

And fact is, he played really well this season and if the Least lost him they'd need to bring in yet another D man. They simply couldn't let him walk

 

[Pi]

That's not awful but also not good. It sucks that a player like Zaitsev got 7 years.

 

[frog]

nice, i think it was don cherry who was upset that they didnt sign him yet or something along those lines. you know he's good when even don cherry likes him