Friedman: Nikita Zaitsev has requested a trade from Toronto

[HuGort]

He signed after playing an 82 game season notching 36 points.

Sorry, don't know the Leafs that well.

 

[Disgraced Cosmonaut]

If Marner goes sideways, maybe do a deal centering around Subban + (?) for Marner + Zaitsev.
Whether you think that (?) is a pro or con depends on your rooting interests.

 

[Habs Halifax]

I am not bothered at all.

There are always some reasonable fans in each fan base. It will be a very interesting summer to see how Dubas manages this

 

[The Winter Soldier]

And the TO chaos continues for this offseason. It was already gonna be entertaining as hell to see what Dubas does with his RFA situation, but now Zaitsev wants out... Hurry up playoffs and end!!.. I want all focus away from the game and all on the NHL offseason

That's the thing I want to know. Why does Zaitsev want to leave? Obviously he was happy when he signed for 7 years. What a difference a year has made. When Lou left, he set the table for Dubas, the team had a tonne of cap space, and now in just a year. The capspace is gone, no stability in the Head Coach, players want to leave, the head scout and scouts(Hunter, Hofford) and coaches(DJ Smith and Pierre Greco) have left. There is an air of disarray in what is happening there now. And as you put it so correctly Skinny. There is more Chaos to come going into the off season.

 

[Habs Halifax]

If Marner goes sideways, maybe do a deal centering around Subban + (?) for Marner + Zaitsev.
Whether you think that (?) is a pro or con depends on your rooting interests.

Do the Preds have the cap space to take on $6M+ of extra cap hit? Maybe they consider this deal if you retain on Zaitsev.

 

[MardyBum]

I'm assuming he wants out because of the criticism he's receiving (and the defense in general?). Didn't he just make comments about Muzzin coming here and then being called garbage?

 

[Skinnyjimmy08]

That's the thing I want to know. Why does Zaitsev want to leave? Obviously he was happy when he signed for 7 years. What a difference a year has made. When Lou left, he set the table for Dubas, the team had a tonne of cap space, and now in just a year. The capspace is gone, no stability in the Head Coach, players want to leave, the head scout and scouts(Hunter, Hofford) and coaches(DJ Smith and Pierre Greco) have left. There is an air of disarray in what is happening there now. And as you put it so correctly Skinny. There is Chaos going into the off season.

Yup.. I know many Leaf fans will argue otherwise just cause they are loyal to their team, but there is something odd going on in TO forsure.

This is very interesting news seeing things change for Zaitsev so quickly

Unless its something as simple as the craziness of the press and all that in Toronto? Im sure some players are envious of playing in cities where they can go wherever they want and do what they want and have nobody really know who you are.

But seems like there are more issues there

 

[Pinkfloyd]

They might be we don't know as Zaitsev has't spoke,. Still, the fact, the only facts are that Bergulnd left maney on the table and that he is not stupid.

Um...yeah he has and it's a different situation. Your position is indefensible.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Yup.. I know many Leaf fans will argue otherwise just cause they are loyal to their team, but there is something odd going on in TO forsure.

This is very interesting news seeing things change for Zaitsev so quickly

They will no doubt be in denial. But the facts are the facts. Zaitsev and a plethora of stabilizing figures in the organization have left. It seems that since Lou left, it went from order to disorder overnight. Agreed, something is odd happening over there.

 

[Leaf Fans]

My position is that Bergland left walked away from money and that he is not stupid. It needs no defence.

 

[axlrose87]

That's the thing I want to know. Why does Zaitsev want to leave? Obviously he was happy when he signed for 7 years. What a difference a year has made. When Lou left, he set the table for Dubas, the team had a tonne of cap space, and now in just a year. The capspace is gone, no stability in the Head Coach, players want to leave, the head scout and scouts(Hunter, Hofford) and coaches(DJ Smith and Pierre Greco) have left. There is an air of disarray in what is happening there now. And as you put it so correctly Skinny. There is more Chaos to come going into the off season.

Some of you are such beauties.
You appear in every leafs thread preaching the impending leaf apocalypse. Hahahaha
They will be just fine

 

[NYRKing]

Intriguing situation. I would be surprised if Zaitsev works out for the team that acquires him. He has way too much term and security with that contract...

 

[Habs Halifax]

There always seem to be a team willing to just save a team from a bad contract for very little, at least in the past. There's also teams out there with some pitiful blue-lines. I'm not sure Zaitsev necessary helps in that regard, but he's something to try at least if you're in that situation.

So I'll be surprised if they can't figure something out to get rid of him. The cap hit isn't that hard to deal with, it's just the length really.

The term is the problem and it's not a small problem. If the Leafs want to unload that contract, it will require creativity and no GM is going to give the Leafs the value they want for Zaitsev. They will circle around like Vultures and wait for the situation to work in their favor. If it don't work, they certainly have options in the UFA market and can find someone similar on a lesser term and cap hit vs Zaitsev.

 

[Hunter368]

My hunch told me the Jets would not like it as much as the Leafs. Probably some Leafs fans who say no as well but not sure.

What's the plans with Trouba? Is he staying? If not, what type of return are the Jets looking for?

I like KK but he’s a 3rd liner on the Jets..,.he would have zero chance of top 6 mins. No chance he would get the quantity mins & team mates he did in the Leafs this year.....he would be playing down in the roster. Wingers are the last thing the Jets need, we have too many now.

Late 1st is what it is.

Zaitsev contract & play eliminates him from the Jets.....Jets can’t afford to take on any cap dumps or bad contracts......Zaitsev falls some where between bad contract & cap dump. Some team might give him a chance, play him to his strengths and he might improve but that’s a huge risk and Jets are in no position to take that risk on him.

Dreger just reported this week there is multi teams with significant interest in Trouba. He will stay one more year & walk for free unless someone offers enough to pull him out of Winnipeg. #1RHD/2RHD 25 yr old traded at the TDL return roughly late 1st, 2nd and B/C level prospect......so think of that as the base offer and go up some for 82 games instead of 20+ games. Then if there is 2 or more teams bidding for Trouba and one happens to be one of the cities Trouba is willing to sign with long term we might see a trade/sign deal which increases Trouba return more.

 

[ITM]

Perhaps he stays and out of spite, plays closer to his first season’s quality and resets his perceived value to something more commensurate with his pay and term.

Toronto isn’t singularly hampered by Zaitsev’s contract. There are other, less palatable contracts that can be moved. Under no circumstance should our club retain salary or incentivize other teams to take him by thinning out our better prospects.

Sometimes the better option is the necessarily harder option. Hopefully, Zaitsev and Toronto are prepared for just that.

 

[Habs Halifax]

Some of you are such beauties.
You appear in every leafs thread preaching the impending leaf apocalypse. Hahahaha
They will be just fine

Stop pretending that the Leafs situation with the cap and how Zaitsev wanting out now does not make it a circus ride this summer. This is far from being a normal off season man and it will be very interesting to watch. This is why this is getting so much attention

 

[Gardner McKay]

Trouba and what else?

Nothing. The Leafs should send Chevy a thank you basket for accepting that offer.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

I like KK but he’s a 3rd liner on the Jets..,.he would have zero chance of top 6 mins. No chance he would get the quantity mins & team mates he did in the Leafs this year.....he would be playing down in the roster. Wingers are the last thing the Jets need, we have too many now.

Late 1st is what it is.

Zaitsev contract & play eliminates him from the Jets.....Jets can’t afford to take on any cap dumps or bad contracts......Zaitsev falls some where between bad contract & cap dump. Some team might give him a chance, play him to his strengths and he might improve but that’s a huge risk and Jets are in no position to take that risk on him.

Dreger just reported this week there is multi teams with significant interest in Trouba. He will stay one more year & walk for free unless someone offers enough to pull him out of Winnipeg. #1RHD/2RHD 25 yr old traded at the TDL return roughly late 1st, 2nd and B/C level prospect......so think of that as the base offer and go up some for 82 games instead of 20+ games. Then if there is 2 or more teams bidding for Trouba and one happens to be one of the cities Trouba is willing to sign with long term we might see a trade/sign deal which increases Trouba return more.

Trouba is a fit. But he will want 7M+ for atleast 6 to 7 years I surmise. Is there enough cap for the Leafs to do this? And sign their remaining RFA's. It's possible but a lot of pieces will have to move. Kadri, Kapanen, Johnsson?

 

[Habs Halifax]

I like KK but he’s a 3rd liner on the Jets..,.he would have zero chance of top 6 mins. No chance he would get the quantity mins & team mates he did in the Leafs this year.....he would be playing down in the roster. Wingers are the last thing the Jets need, we have too many now.

Late 1st is what it is.

Zaitsev contract & play eliminates him from the Jets.....Jets can’t afford to take on any cap dumps or bad contracts......Zaitsev falls some where between bad contract & cap dump. Some team might give him a chance, play him to his strengths and he might improve but that’s a huge risk and Jets are in no position to take that risk on him.

Dreger just reported this week there is multi teams with significant interest in Trouba. He will stay one more year & walk for free unless someone offers enough to pull him out of Winnipeg. #1RHD/2RHD 25 yr old traded at the TDL return roughly late 1st, 2nd and B/C level prospect......so think of that as the base offer and go up some for 82 games instead of 20+ games. Then if there is 2 or more teams bidding for Trouba and one happens to be one of the cities Trouba is willing to sign with long term we might see a trade/sign deal which increases Trouba return more.

Fair assessment from the Jets point of view. What's interesting about this is most know Trouba wants out but the Jets also need to replace him on RD. Teams that are interested want to add a RD using other parts. How do the Jets trade Trouba and get the RD they need? Might require a 3 way trade.

 

[Hunter368]

Trouba is a fit. But he will want 7M+ for atleast 6 to 7 years I surmise. Is there enough cap for the Leafs to do this? And sign their remaining RFA's. It's possible but a lot of pieces will have to move. Kadri, Kapanen, Johnsson?

Agreed. It’s all about priorities......Leafs would have to move out one big contract or multi smaller ones to do it......depending on the contracts that will be harder or easier

 

[Rants Mulliniks]

KHL is implementing a salary cap, less than 14 million US for each team (I don't think the threat of players going to Russia for millions is much of a threat anymore) Season 2018-19: 25 clubs, a lower salary cap, and an ASW in Tatarstan

It never was. Last year in the Nylander threads it was pointed out to several fans who thought "OMG he'll run to Russia for millions" that " A top 10 salary in the KHL is $1.5 M. Only 7 guys get more than $2M and the couple getting around $4 M are Russian legends."

 

[Leaf Fans]

Nothing. The Leafs should send Chevy a thank you basket for accepting that offer.

No, that would be insane.

 

[OTC]

Who are these teams that are going to take a reclamation project with 5 years left on his deal without sending money back? This really isn't a difficult question. What teams:

1. Have a hole for a RD
2. Have the cap space to add Zaitsev, both now and in the long run

It shouldn't be a hard question to answer if he was so easily movable.



It's honestly amazing to me. Zaitsev is 28, coming off of 2 bad years in a row and is signed long term at top-4 D money. Why would any team trade for him without sending any money back? I honestly can't think of any guys in Zaitsev's position that were traded without sending salary back.

Without retaing any salary Toronto needs to sweeten the pot, maybe some Marlie prospects.

 

[Gardner McKay]

No, that would be insane.

Insanity is expecting to get a legitimate top pairing defenseman in his prime for a bottom pairing defenseman making $4.5 million, a middle six forward and what is likely to be a late 1st.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

Agreed. It’s all about priorities......Leafs would have to move out one big contract or multi smaller ones to do it......depending on the contracts that will be harder or easier

Other than Kadri who is signed to a team friendly number and one would argue his value is less after his multiple suspensions. Nylander is the only contract that will make an impact on the cap. And he is close to 7M when Ehlers, Larkin, TT are all less signed to less under the same cap % when their deals kicked in. Had Dubas let Nylander sit out last year, I think he would have more value. If I were a GM I would insist on 1M retention there. That was the market for him. Even that move is difficult as is Zaitsev's contract is. Usually when that happens it is bad contract for bad contract or salary retention.