2016-17 Rookie Spotlight: Nikita Zaitsev

Welcome to another 2016-17 Rookie Spotlight, where I will be looking at rookies making their NHL debut during the 2016-17 season. (or who are still considered rookies for the 2016-17 season) Today we take a look at a rookie defenseman playing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, that being Nikita Zaitsev

Name: Nikita Zaitsev

Age: 25

Size: 6ft2 195 lbs

Hometown: Moscow, Russia

Jersey #: 22

Drafted: Undrafted

Position: Defense

Junior Team: HC Sibir, KHL

2016-17 stats: GP 55 G 2 A 24 Pts 26

Comparable NHL players: Ivan Provonov, Marek Zidlicky

Zaitsev spent 7 years in the KHL, before making his way to North America this season. He followed a similar path that Artemi Panarin did. Given all the experience he had in the KHL, he is definitely more mature and developed than most other rookie defensemen in the league. He is second in scoring for rookie defenseman, and has quickly become one of the Maple Leafs best rearguards. He has a heck of shot, and is an excellent skater. He is also a solid two-way player, something that the Leafs lack.

He has been a workhorse for the Leafs this year. Averaging about 22 minutes a game. That shows that Toronto, and especially Mike Babcock, have a lot of faith in him.

Here is a video of Nikita talking with the media.

As you can see, Nikita has what it takes to stick in the NHL. He only signed a one-year deal with the Leafs, so expect them to re-sign him long term. If the Leafs can sign him for 2-3 million per season, then they can get a very cost effective d-man. No matter the case, Nikita seems to be a player, who could have a long NHL career.