Maple Leafs sign Zaitsev to 7-year, $31.5M contract extension
The Toronto Maple Leafs signed defenseman Nikita Zaitsev to a seven-year, $31.5-million contract extension on Tuesday, the team announced.
Zaitsev is coming off his first season in the league after signing in the offseason as a free agent following seven seasons in the KHL.
The 25-year-old played in all 82 games during the regular season, finishing third in rookie points by a defenseman and second among Maple Leafs blue-liners with 36.
Nikita Zaitsev's extension includes a limited no-trade clause.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) May 2, 2017
In addition to Zaitsev, the Maple Leafs also announced the signing of forward Ben Smith to a one-year, $650,000 deal. Smith managed just two goals and two assists in 36 games with the Maple Leafs, but with 40 games played split between the Maple Leafs and Colorado Avalanche he is now eligible for the expansion draft.