Nikita Zaitsev’s career is a testament to resilience and adaptability. Born in Moscow, Russia, the 6-foot-2, right-handed defenseman has played in some of the world’s top hockey leagues. From his early days in the Russian leagues to his time in the NHL and his return to the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), Zaitsev’s path reflects his successes, failures, and desire to return to where he started.
Here, we’ll remember and consider Zaitsev’s curious circular journey.
Early Years in Russia: Zaitsev Rises Through the Ranks
Zaitsev began his professional journey in the Russian leagues, debuting with Krylya Sovetov MHC in the 2008-09 season. While his ice time was limited, his defensive instincts stood out. These got him noticed and set the stage for his future career. A move to Sibir Novosibirsk in the KHL during the 2009-10 season marked the start of his steady progression. Though his offensive contributions were initially modest, Zaitsev gained valuable experience and skills in a highly competitive Russian environment. These skills proved crucial for his future success.
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In the 2009-10 season with Sibir Novosibirsk, Zaitsev appeared in 40 games. There, he showed defensive promise despite a challenging minus-10 rating. His growth continued over the next few years, with a breakout performance in the 2012-13 season, where he recorded 18 points (seven goals and 11 assists). He made significant improvements in his offensive play. This production helped establish Zaitsev as a promising two-way defenseman in the KHL.
Zaitsev’s Breakout Seasons with CSKA Moscow
In 2013, Zaitsev joined CSKA Moscow and flourished in an expanded role. His offensive production spiked, and he began to show his two-way capabilities. He balanced reliable defensive play with increasing contributions on the scoresheet. The 2014-15 season marked a turning point in his career, as he recorded 32 points (12 goals, 20 assists) in 57 games. His strong play, highlighted by an impressive plus-27 rating, confirmed his reputation as one of the top defensemen in the KHL. It also caught the attention of NHL scouts.
Zaitsev continued his upward evolution during the 2015-16 season, contributing 26 points in 46 games. He excelled even further in the playoffs, recording 13 points in 20 games and highlighting his ability…
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