Zaitsev is literally the only guy on the team who gives opposing forwards some cause for concern in our zone. He is a dirty physical player who is good at flying under the radar and gets away with doling out a lot of abuse. He’s a good skater too. All this griping about his passing isn’t incorrect, but it is overblown. I think the biggest issue is his decision making under pressure, which I’d have faith improves over time. He’s still a young guy, only a few years into the league.
So to think that he has to go and is hurting us is silly. No doubt in my mind that as soon as the Leafs identify an opportunity to acquire a top guy like AP, they’ll have zero trouble trading Zaitsev in that deal, or in another deal and get actual value in return.
I frankly have a much bigger issue with Hainsey. I fear he’s going to hurt us in the playoffs, once he’s fully worn out.
Funny thing is, putting cap aside, Hainsey and Zaitsev would probably be a great bottom pair and PK specialists. If Mo, Jake, Dermott, and AP were our top 4, there’d be absolutely nothing to complain about. We’re one trade, and proper pairing placements, away from that.