Blackhawks acquire Nikita Zaitsev; Golden Knights trade for Dysin Mayo
Anthony Scultore
|
On Wednesday, the Chicago Blackhawks traded for defenseman Nikita Zaitsev from the Ottawa Senators. In exchange, the Senators also sent a second-round pick in 2023, and a fourth-round pick in 2026 for future considerations.
This was an integral move for the Sens to clear cap space for future signings. The 31 year-old Zaitsev still has one more year remaining on his contract with a cap hit of $4.5 million.
Blackhawks trade for Nikita Zaitsev
The Chicago Blackhawks are expected to be very busy up until the NHL Trade Deadline on March 3. Expected to be moved are pending UFA’s Max Domi and Patrick Kane, with the possibilities of others.
“We are getting an NHL caliber defenseman and acquiring very valuable draft capital in this upcoming draft and beyond,” said Blackhawks General Manager Kyle Davidson. “Nikita gives us added depth on the right side and we anticipate him joining us soon.”
Chicago Blackhawks
Zaitsev has five assists in 28 games to date this season.
Golden Knights acquire Dyson Mayo
The Vegas Golden Knights traded away the contract of Shea Weber and a 2023 fifth-round pick to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for defenseman Dyson Mayo.
Mayo, 26, has registered four goals and 12 points in 15 games this season.
Weber’s contract was acquired by Vegas from the Montreal Canadiens last summer for forward Evgenii Dadonov. The 37 year-old has not played since the 2021 Stanley Cup Final after knee and thumb injuries forced him out of the game. He has a cap hit of $7.8 million until 2025-26.
