The Ottawa Senators are in an interesting position heading into the NHL's trade deadline. It's possible they sell their pending unrestricted free agents, including Austin Watson, but there's also a chance they make a move for a player with term that can help them next season.
One player to keep an eye on that the Senators are reportedly looking to trade is Russian defenceman Nikita Zaitsev, who's spent time in the American Hockey League this season after being on waivers.
According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, among those that are interested in the Moscow native are a pair of California teams, the Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks.
"More on Ottawa: On Friday, I wrote about the Senators trying to move Zaitsev and willing to sweeten the pot. Some teams being discussed include Anaheim and San Jose, depending on their other moves." Pagnotta said.
Zaitsev, 31, is in the sixth-year of a seven-year contract worth $4.5 million AAV that he signed when he was a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. His contract includes a a modified no-trade clause with a ten-team no-trade list.
So far this season, Zaitsev has appeared in 23 games, recording four assists, eight penalty minutes, is a minus-three and is averaging 16:58 TOI per game.
Which team do you think should try to acquire Zaitsev, Anaheim or San Jose? Let us know who you think in the poll below!
Source: David Pagnotta - The Fourth Period
Which team should try to acquire Nikita Zaitsev?
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