REPORT: Canadian Team Looking to Trade Defensemen As Soon as Possible

When the Ottawa Senators acquired defensemen Nikita Zaitsev from the Maple Leafs, there was high hope that he would provide them with solid defensive play and overall top-four quality.

That has not been the case, Zaitsev has not lived up to their hope and expectations, and is currently looking to move him to another team.


Zaitsev was injured on December 28th, and according to coach DJ Smith, he'll be out for several games.



Zaitsev is currently on injured reserve carrying a $4.5 million cap hit. He has one year remaining from a 7-year deal he signed with the Maple Leafs. To make this deal the Senators will need to pass along at least one high enough draft choice, retain some of his salary, or a prospect.

This is not an ideal situation for a team that is currently trying to build into a contender and their defensive corps has been suspected, to say the least. I'm also unsure which team would be willing to take on a contract like this. Time will tell if the senators can make this deal happen.