Former Chicago Blackhawks Defenseman Heads Home To Russia

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Joshua Deeds
July 4, 2024 (5:38 PM)

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Photo credit: The Hockey Writers

Defenseman Nikita Zaitsev has shipped-off back to Russia, as he has signed a 4-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg.

Nikita Zaitsev is a SKA player!

The experienced defenseman has penned a four-year contract with our club. The 32-year-old had previously spent eight seasons in the NHL.

Welcome to Saint Petersburg! #hcSKA

OFFICIAL
Nikita Zaitsev has just signed a 4-year contract with SKA St.Petersburg in #KHL. He played for Chicago Blackhawks last #NHL season.

Zaitsev played 38 games with the Blackhawks last season scoring 7 points(2 G, 5 A) and was a UFA as his contract originally signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs expired which totaled $31.5 Million.

The Blackhawks received the defenseman in return for two draft picks and the Senators received future considerations.

The Toronto Maple Leafs originally signed Zaitsev as an unsigned free agent in 2016, Zaitsev's career totals in 482 career NHL Games: 118 points( 22 G, 96 A) and split his career between the Chicago Blackhawks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators.

Previously on HawksInsider

Former Chicago Blackhawks Veteran officially makes return to the organization

The Blackhawks have signed the most valuable free agent available

Saddened passing of 18-year old future NHL hopeful star

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4 JUILLET \| 158 ANSWERS Former Chicago Blackhawks Defenseman Heads Home To Russia Did you expect Nikita Zaitsev to be signed by another NHL team?
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