Nikita Zaitsev reportedly blocked trade to Canadian team
The saga of Nikita Zaitsev and the Ottawa Senators took a twist Saturday night. Zaitsev has never lived up to his $4.5 million annual cap hit. That dates back to his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tired of having him on their roster, the Sens placed the defenceman on waivers Nov 9. No one bothered to take him, so he remained with the team until Nov 18, when he was sent to the AHL. Now, though, it is being reported that Ottawa had a chance to trade Zaitsev, but he nixed the deal using his no-trade clause.
According to Elliotte Friedman on Saturday's Hockey Night in Canada, Vancouver was willing to take Zaitsev in exchange for their own struggling defenceman, Tyler Myers. Like Zaitsev, Myers has one more season after this one left on his current deal. His carries a cap hit of $6.5 million. Unfortunately for Ottawa, Vancouver was on Zaitsev's 10-team no-trade list that he submits every July 1st. He can be asked to waive. It's likely Vancouver did that and Zaitsev still said no.
No word on why Zaitsev wouldn't want the fresh start with a different team. You also have to wonder if that's the reason behind Ottawa GM Pierre Dorion making the decision to send him to the minors.
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