Ottawa Senators Nikita Zaitsev has been involved in trade talks for the majority of this season, but now it seems like the Senators are willing to move on from him, as they look to start contending.
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I’m told @Senators are actively actively seeking a trade of D Zaitsev. They’ve granted permission to his representatives to speak with clubs. My understanding is Sens willing to move high draft pick or a prospect to accommodate trade. @NHL #HockeyTwitter— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) January 1, 2023
Ottawa Senators Looking To Trade Zaitsev Along With Draft Pick
Zaitsev hasn’t had a great season with Ottawa and his high salary cap hit of $4.5 million certainly isn’t helping his case. The Senators are now looking to trade the 31-year-old forward, packaging in a prospect.
So far, Zaitsev only has three points in 19 NHL games. He has zero points in three games with the AHL’S Belleville Senators. In his time with Ottawa, he has only has 43 points in 194 games played.
Zaitsev has spent the majority of his North American career with Ottawa. However, his highest point total in a season was 17. He was traded to Ottawa in the deal that also saw the Sens get Connor Brown and Michael Carcone in exchange for Cody Ceci, Ben Harpur, Aaron Luchuk, and a 2020 3rd-round pick.
Unfortunately, he has never been able to replicate the success he had as a depth player in Toronto. They are now looking to spend his larger cap hit elsewhere.
What This Means
Although it is going to be hard for the Senators to get rid of Zaitsev alone, the high pick or prospect that the Senators are willing to package along with it may convince some teams to make the investment in him.
It makes sense for a team that is rebuilding to take a trade if they are getting the pick or prospect. Zaitsev’s contract can be used to get to the cap floor. In addition, they retain a pick or prospect that may contribute great value for the organization.
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