Friedman: Nikita Zaitsev has requested a trade from Toronto

[Team Cozens]

I wonder if Okposo is going to ask for a trade.

 

[InfinityIggy]

Teams aren’t going to take on his contract unless they can send an equally bad one back or Toronto ‘pays’ a team to take him. Don’t see either of those things happening. I don’t think a KHL return is in the cards either as Nikita would be leaving too much cash on the table.

Tough spot to be in.

 

[WingsMJN2965]

Wonder what the chances are that he wants out because he doesn't like playing for Babcock.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

I wonder if Okposo is going to ask for a trade.

It might work. But Leafs need D, probably more like a bad contract on D for another bad contract on D is the way to go. As bad as he is for 4.5M The Leafs D was thin with him, it will be very thin when and if he is traded.

 

[Liferleafer]

I'm on my phone so this may have been posted already, but the Score is reporting multiple teams have inquired about Zaitsev after it was reported he was available.

 

[justafan22]

He can be effective with either the right usage or partner. Is good at breaking up the cycle, not great at moving the puck

I'd rather take on equally bad contracts than retain.

 

[GhostfaceWu]

Lucic is probably the worst contract in he league. Will probably require a 1st to move him.

Zaitsev probably at least a 3rd....

No way anyone take hims without retention or you taking back a bad contract as well.

 

[leafsfan5]

Zaitsev is worth less than Lucic. Good luck trading that trash can without taking back an awful contract.

Some people really ride this Zaitsev hate train to an irrational degree lol

 

[Nalens Oga]

Honestly think it'll be addition by subtraction by moving on from him so the return doesn't even matter at this point. Move that contract without retention or taking back another contact and it's a great trade.

Getting away from Babcock will be hugely beneficial for Zaitsev as well.

 

[Michoulicious]

Lucic is probably the worst contract in he league. Will probably require a 1st to move him.

Zaitsev probably at least a 3rd....

A 3rd??? Man, if Dubas makes that happen, just give him GM of the year right away.

 

[Porter Stoutheart]

Is there an actual quote somewhere of Zaitsev requesting a trade? Because this looks a little fishy maybe? Like, obviously Toronto wants to trade him. And there are plenty of Leafs toady media types. But is there evidence that Zaitsev truly "requested a trade" per the thread title?

And if nobody wants him is this where he goes on unconditional waivers and goes back to the KHL maybe?

I think he's better than that and could play anywhere. But my skepticism is up.

 

[canucks20]

Tanev

For

Zaitsev
Liljegren
Pick

Who says no?

 

[Legion34]

So you go from “hes a valuable Top4” to “he can just go home if he doesn’t wanna be here” pretty quickly.

This is the thing, you aren’t close in terms of gauging his value. You’re also suggesting things from a time when the laughs didn’t have cap problems are still the same truth today when your best player remains unsigned! Man how many times do I need to this

Ummmm I don’t know what you mean? No one is saying that he is worth a ton? I’m saying that there is no way the leafs are going to retain on him. They don’t have to. If he really isn’t happy he can go home....

Also Matthews is signed? Unless you think Marner. Kappy. Mango or Jake are the leafs best player? Which would explain your stance on values... because wow

 

[AppsSyl]

As speculated today.

Leafs may have to retain salart, or add a sweetner like a prospect or pick, or another salary will have to go the other way for a team to take Zaitsev. It seems no one wants him straight up.

Soft return doesn't mean add sweetener. It means you are not going to get a whole lot in return, which is fine with the Leafs to shed the cap hit. He also didn't say teams were asking Leafs to retain, he said he wasn't sure if the offers involved any sort of retention. Funny how several teams have inquired but he is such a boat anchor? Gonna laugh when they don't retain, shed cap and actually get some sort of asset (even if it is minimal). The problematic part he is referring to is that we have no RHD.

 

[Hammettf2b]

Wonder what the chances are that he wants out because he doesn't like playing for Babcock.

Not the first or last time this would be the case.

 

[Leaf Fans]

Why do you think teams are in such a hurry to save the Leafs?

They are not, but they do want to improve their own teams.

 

[sens13]

can't wait to see the trade especially since so many leaf fan's on here think he has value.

 

[Lahey]

Canucks weren't even in the league the last time the Leafs won a cup. The Leafs have just pulled themselves out of a perennial basement spot in the past 2 seasons. Maybe too soon to be talking trash to a team that is going through a rebuild after a decade of winning including 2 presidents trophies and a trip to the finals.

This post is a riot.

 

[Team Cozens]

It might work. But Leafs need D, probably more like a bad contract on D for another bad contract on D is the way to go. As bad as he is for 4.5M The Leafs D was thin with him, it will be very thin when and if he is traded.

Honestly, this is all being orchestrated from the Leafs through Bob. Leafs know exactly who will be on their D next year. They just need the cap space. This week it’s Zaitsev. Next week it will be Marleau....

 

[DJBiffWPG]

I'm on my phone so this may have been posted already, but the Score is reporting multiple teams have inquired about Zaitsev after it was reported he was available.

Multiple teams are run by bad GM’s

 

[rt]

After his signing bonus is paid on July 1st, I’d trade Kevin Connauton for him, if the Leafs agree to retain 50% of his contract.

 

[PetterssonSimp]

Ummmm I don’t know what you mean? No one is saying that he is worth a ton? I’m saying that there is no way the leafs are going to retain on him. They don’t have to. If he really isn’t happy he can go home....

Also Matthews is signed? Unless you think Marner. Kappy. Mango or Jake are the leafs best player? Which would explain your stance on values... because wow

Lmao if you honestly don’t think Marner is your best player. He’s by far the heart and soul of that team.

 

[LDF]

Lucic is probably the worst contract in he league. Will probably require a 1st to move him.

Zaitsev probably at least a 3rd....

i see that and raise one Seabs contract.

 

[sparxx87]

Andreas Johnsson
Nikita Zaitsev
Marner
7th to Minnesota for scrub

Is this the Leafs board?

 

[MintyFresh88]

Why do I think Florida may be the landing spot.

They already have a Zaitsev of their own in Matheson, so I doubt it.