After nine years in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks, Nikita Zaitsev has made his next step known. According to TSN's Chris Johnston, the 32-year old undrafted defenseman is heading back home to play for SKA St. Petersburg.
The move marks the end of a respectable NHL career, where Zaitsev tallied 482 games, netting 22 goals and scoring 118 points for three teams, while providing excellent defense with his impressive 6-foot-2 frame.
At 32-years old, if he sees out the four-year deal in the KHL, it's unlikely that he will ever return to the NHL, and after making great money in North America, it would be a fitting way to wrap up a solid hockey career.
