Nikita Zaitsev to leave the Blackhawks following $36M deal completion

This transition opens up new possibilities for the Blackhawks as they aim to bolster their defensive lineup.

Nikita Zaitsev, who entered the NHL scene in 2016 with a hefty seven-year deal worth $32 million with the Toronto Maple Leafs, has seen a fluctuating career graph which eventually led him to Chicago via Ottawa. The once promising defenseman's performance saw a gradual decline, influencing the Blackhawks' decision not to retain him.

Arthur Khayrullin, a sports journalist, reports that Zaitsev will be committing to a minimum of three years with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL. This overseas shift not only marks a new chapter for Zaitsev but also significantly impacts the Blackhawks' financial and strategic planning.

With Zaitsev's annual $4.5 million salary off their expense sheet, the Blackhawks' general manager, Kyle Davidson, finds himself with increased financial flexibility. The current roster shows a glaring need for defensive depth, a concern Davidson is prepared to address. Presently, the team maintains contracts with merely four defensemen, including newcomer Kevin Kochinski, who is in the early stages of his NHL journey.

During the previous season, Zaitsev appeared in 38 games, contributing two goals and assisting five times. The Blackhawks are now poised to leverage the freed-up cap space to enhance their defense. Expectations are set for Davidson to explore the market for robust defensive talents and to further strengthen the team's core via upcoming drafts.

This strategic move by the Blackhawks is seen as a proactive effort to reconfigure their squad, ensuring they remain competitive in future seasons. As the team looks to revamp its lineup, the departure of Zaitsev could be a pivotal moment in shaping the future of the Blackhawks.