That’s what she said

I've said this several times in the past to Zaitsev trades, but we'd give up a B prospect and a cheap roster player for Zaitsev. We'd actually package a B prospect, 2 million retained Tanev, Pouliot, Motte, and a 4/5th for Zaitsev, Lindgren, and Brown.

I honestly think Zaitsev has value to some teams, and leaf fans wouldn't be so inclined to get rid of him if we weren't cap strapped. I just meant take the best offer with no money coming back in what I said. Surprised to see a different teams fan have a perception on Zaitsev other than negative considering all the flak he gets on here haha

Zaitsev gets a lot of flak for not being the top line RHD that the fans expect him to be, and every mistake is accentuated by Hainsey's problems. He's not a top line D. He's a solid second line D who has an untapped offensive upside that he has yet to show after his rookie year due to being relied on as a defensive defenseman. Now that that is smoothed out, he could be a high end 2 pairing guy. I'm also surprised that more non-Toronto fans aren't trying to get him.