Russian free agent Zaitsev intends to sign with Maple Leafs

Maple Leafs head coach clarifies his "ain't pretty" quote from their last loss, and says since we don't have an Ovechkin-type player, with Ovechkin-type skills, we have to score goals by committee.

Russian free agent defenceman Nikita Zaitsev is planning on signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Friedman reported last October that Zaitsev’s agent said the KHLer is coming to North America next season.

The 24-year-old blue-liner has been of interest to more than a few NHL clubs, with the Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles among team reported to have been interested in acquiring his services.

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