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NHL Trade Rumors: Top 6 trade candidates following NHL draft

By Simon Vacca

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 06: Phil Kessel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena on April 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 06: Phil Kessel #81 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates against the New York Rangers at PPG Paints Arena on April 6, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 04: Nikita Zaitsev #22 of the Toronto Maple Leafs takes part in warm up before playing the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Scotiabank Arena on April 4, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 04: Nikita Zaitsev #22 of the Toronto Maple Leafs takes part in warm up before playing the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Scotiabank Arena on April 4, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Mark Blinch/NHLI via Getty Images) /

3. Nikita Zaitsev

Age: 27
Position: D
Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

It is no secret that Nikita Zaitsev’s tenure as a member of the blue and white is nearing its inevitable conclusion. To be clear, it is not a question of if he shall be traded, but instead a matter of when he will be moved.

The Vancouver Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers are still the favorites to land the Russian defender, who struggled to establish a measure of offensive prowess in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ 2018-19 season. Despite being heavily relied upon in a shut-down role — which the 27-year-old recently confirmed to be a subject of frustration — the blue liner notched a mere three goals, 11 assists and 14 points in 81 matchups. Poor numbers, indeed, for a top-pairing defenseman.

Both team and player have agreed that a move would be the best course of action to undertake going forward, as Zaitsev’s lack of productivity, coupled with underlying “personal reasons” all but ensure that No. 22 shall don another uniform in the not-so-distant future.

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