Confirmed with Link: Per Friedman, Leafs and Zaitsev have agreed to move on, will find trade for him

[MapleLeafs9]

I feel like we've been trying to trade him the past year but nobody wants his contract. Hmm.

Click to read more...

 

[Tak7]

Absolutely the right move for the Leafs.
Will probably cost them a sweetener to get the deal done, but this is best for both parties.

 

[KobeBean143]

Call up that dumb ass Rutherford, he loves useless dmen

 

[Ziggdiezan]

I'm thinking Dubas has a trade lined up to add a top 4 RD as if the leafs trade Z they dont have any natural RD who isnt a rookie.

 

[hamzarocks]

Yessssssssssssssss. Get me Colin Miller

 

[DopeyFish]

He really showed his value in the Boston series. He was excellent.

 

[MyBudJT]

Woah! I didn't expect this!

I honestly think Zaitsev is a valuable asset. I really hope we don't have to treat any Zaitsev trade like a cap dump.


Will also be interesting to see how things play out as we may not have a Russian Translator for Mikheyev or Korshkov. Maybe Timashov will have an inside scoop at a 4th line role?

 

[WTFMAN99]

One thought I had is just with the wording is it sounds like Zaitsev wants to move on. If nothing comes of this, is he willing to terminate the deal and return to the KHL where he can get $3-4.5M USD in a tax free environment?

Voynov left so he'd immediately become the best defenseman over there.

 

[mapleleafs34]

Is this real life?

 

[Tak7]

I'm thinking Dubas has a trade lined up to add a top 4 RD as if the leafs trade Z they dont have any natural RD who isnt a rookie.

CJ said that the Leafs tried to move Zaitsev at the draft in a prelude to another deal.

 

[hamzarocks]

I'd be fine with him terminating his contract. Use the cap space saved by his deal and spend on stralman and then make a deal for Miller.

 

[Whaleafs]

I hear Russians really like Miami

 

[4thline]

Woah! I didn't expect this!

I honestly think Zaitsev is a valuable asset. I really hope we don't have to treat any Zaitsev trade like a cap dump.

This. If he were worth every penny of his deal he'd be massively valuable. Being slightly overpaid he's less valuable, but still not a net negative

 

[Ziggdiezan]

CJ said that the Leafs tried to move Zaitsev at the draft in a prelude to another deal.

Really, I didn't see that. Interesting, I wonder which defender they are targeting

 

[WTFMAN99]

I hear Russians really like Miami

Mark Pysyk

 

[ottomaddox]

Without bashing his contract...too much...what's he worth?

 

[Tak7]

Woah! I didn't expect this!

I honestly think Zaitsev is a valuable asset. I really hope we don't have to treat any Zaitsev trade like a cap dump.

27 year old who has 5 years left at a $4.5M AAV - who can't put up more than 20 points, or handle the puck in his own end.

It's a cap dump.

 

[ottomaddox]

Mark Pysyk

Oh this might work.

 

[Tak7]

Really, I didn't see that. Interesting, I wonder which defender they are targeting

He said the Leafs were trying to put together a big move for a top 4D after the Muzzin deal. Sounds like nothing really materialized.

He also said they were trying to get Benning from Edmonton.

 

[sparxx87]

Why get rid of the rel gud pros?

I’d be sad to see ‘ol pocket ducks go... jersey fluttering while he floats around the ice. Making plays, saving days.

Sad day in Toronto sports, that’s for sure.

 

[Tak7]

Without bashing his contract...too much...what's he worth?

Nothing, I don't think.

I think the Leafs will have to give up a sweetener, and then get some insignificant piece in return.

 

[Mr Hockey]

Don't tell me Dubas wants to resign Gardiner

 

[MyBudJT]

I'd be fine with him terminating his contract. Use the cap space saved by his deal and spend on stralman and then make a deal for Miller.

I wouldn't mind targeting Myers either if he'd sign a bit of a discount.

We're going to also need to fill the PK void that Zaitsev and possibly Hainsey will leave behind.

 

[DopeyFish]

Don't tell me Dubas wants to resign Gardiner

Well that would be great

 

[Raymondo316]

Sadly I can't see many people queuing up to take him though.