TSN: CSKA GM Fedorov says Zaitsev will join Leafs

[Stand Witness]

What's his upside?

Apparently some Russian posters claim he is the best D in the KHL.

At this point? Looks like a potential bomb on the point. I dont know what his defensive game is like but from what I've read maybe a #1-2. No idea how likely he is to reach it but he seems to have the tools. <---- This is the key part, I really don't know how likely it is before anyone overreacts.

 

[MastuhNinks]

Future Calder winner right here

I don't know, he might be competing with Nylander and/or Marner.

 

[BertCorbeau]

Zaitsev and Gardiner on the point for the PP would be quite deadly. Add in a playmaker like Nylander, Marner, Kadri .. And one-timers all day.

 

[canadon]

 

[BackHandShelf22]

Would Kulikov be an appropriate comparison? I don't know if he has the physical edge Kuli does.

 

[WTFMAN99]

Love to see us get Honka out of Dallas for Phaneuf.

Outside of retaining 3.5M (50%) on him, no chance.

I'd be happy to get a 1st round pick back and a 2 year cap dump back.

 

[LeafsGeeks]

Top 4 right handed defenseman, 24 years old (young enough that he can develop but old enough that he has solid experience). Leafs just added a great cost-controlled asset for FREE. I know this isn't as sexy as Stamkos talk, but this is huge! Can't wait to find out more about his game.

 

[Trapper]

I don't know, he might be competing with Nylander and/or Marner.

Or Matthews and the Finns.
Is McDavid going to be considered a rookie next year?

 

[BorntoLose]

Or Matthews and the Finns.
Is McDavid going to be considered a rookie next year?

if he has less than 40 gp by the end of the season he'll eligible i believe

 

[kk87]

Really happy to see this is happening for sure, this guy is really good. I see him becoming a solid 2/3 dman for us. I think a lot of people might underrate how huge an addition this guy will be for us. We should have a really solid defensive core next year, with Rielly, Phaneuf, Gardiner, and Zaitsev in our top 4.

 

[sqw3r]

Would Kulikov be an appropriate comparison? I don't know if he has the physical edge Kuli does.

I would take Zaitsev in his last two years form over Kulikov every day of the week.

 

[canadon]

Would he be a RFA or an UFA after one year with the Leafs, if not extended? Probably an UFA?

 

[KGL]

Glad to hear this, could be a really solid pickup. Young, right handed D, good puck mover, putting up solid points in the K, sounds really good.

Quite the logjam on defence though. Next season we'll have Phaneuf, Gardiner, Rielly, Hunwick, Marincin, Percy, Harrington, Zaitsev, and Corrado all signed and none of them can be sent down to the Marlies. I'm assuming Marincin and Corrado will be the odd men out, leaving us with:

Hunwick-Rielly
Gardiner-Phaneuf
Percy/Harrington-Zaitsev

 

[Mess]

Let's hope so. We are seriously lacking at RHD in the organization.

Hopefully all those fans that were penciling in all these Marlie Dmen for next season didn't do it in ink as they need to start erasing some names as Zaitsev just took one of those spots.

Reilly - Hunwick
Gardner -- Phaneuf
Zaitsev -- XXXX

 

[Jeffler]

 

[WTFMAN99]

Shut up Jeffler.

 

[I Believe]

Great to hear

 

[Warden of the North]

When is he able to sign?

As someone who works on contract, I never count on it until the paper is signed.

 

[Gabriel426]

Awesome stuff, best Dmen in the KHL. He might just be the RHD that Reilly needs to become #1 pairing.

 

[Bluelines]

Let's hope so. We are seriously lacking at RHD in the organization.

Right handed shots on the D for Toronto:

Frankie Corrado
Roman Polak
Stephane Robidas

Lots of rumors that Polak will be traded this Feb , that would be a considerable upgrade in skill, a drop in the physical aspect though.

Our right side is so week this guy would instantly become one of our top right handed shooting defenceman prospect.

 

[KGL]

When is he able to sign?

As someone who works on contract, I never count on it until the paper is signed.

Completely guessing here, but end of KHL season?

 

[RyanOhReally]

Awesome

 

[Morgs]

When is he able to sign?

As someone who works on contract, I never count on it until the paper is signed.

March 1, I believe. I know for a fact he Isn't eligible until the 2016-2017 season though.

 

[johnny_rudeboy]

Great news, if true.

 

[Bluelines]

When is he able to sign?

As someone who works on contract, I never count on it until the paper is signed.

KHL contracts end in April, so we will hear about it officially in May.