Bob McKenzie of TSN reported Thursday afternoon that Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Nikita Zaitsev requested for a trade away from the Canadian hockey club due to “personal reasons.” Leafs General Manager Kyle Dubas said he’ll try to give the Moscow blue-liner a “fresh start” and grant his request to be moved. Philadelphia Flyers GM Chuck Fletcher stated his desire to add a veteran defenseman this offseason, but Zaitsev should not be the guy he goes out and acquires.
The 6’2, right-handed shooting d-man is extremely limited offensively. Zaitsev was able to post 36 points in his rookie season with Toronto but has netted a mere 13 and 14 in the following two years.