The Ottawa Senators announced on Wednesday they have traded defenseman Nikita Zaitsev to the Chicago Blackhawks in exchange for future considerations. Chicago will also receive a second-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft and a fourth-round selection in the 2026 NHL Draft for future considerations.
The 31-year-old Zaitsev has five assists and zero goals in 28 games this season for the Senators, his fourth with the team. He has 108 points (19 goals, 89 assists) in 426 regular-season games with the Senators and Toronto Maple Leafs, and two assists in 18 Stanley Cup Playoff games.
Ottawa acquired Zaitsev in a trade from Toronto in 2019. He has one more season remaining on the seven-year, $31.5 million contract he signed with the Maple Leafs in 2017. Chicago general manager Kyle Davidson said: “We are getting an NHL-caliber defenseman and acquiring very valuable draft capital in this upcoming draft and beyond. Nikita gives us added depth on the right side and we anticipate him joining us soon.”
Blackhawks acquire D-man Nikita Zaitsev, picks from Senators
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