KHL, Olympics won't change Zaitsev's plans Nikita Zaitsev is aware of his national federation’s plea for Russian NHL free agents to come home to the KHL next season with the Olympics in mind. But the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, a pending RFA July 1, said it won’t change his plan to re-sign with his NHL club.

Pierre LeBrun TSN Hockey Insider Follow|Archive

TORONTO — Nikita Zaitsev is aware of his national federation’s plea for Russian NHL free agents to come home to the KHL next season with the Olympics in mind.

But the Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman, a pending RFA July 1, said it won’t change his plan to re-sign with his NHL club.

"No, it doesn’t," Zaitsev said Thursday after the morning skate at Air Canada Centre.

As TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported last week, Zaitsev and the Leafs have a deal in the works which will keep the defenceman in Toronto for seven more years at a $4.5-million salary.

It’s a deal that potentially could be completed as early as next week. Either way, the Russian Hockey Federation’s statement from Wednesday doesn’t appear to be something that’s going to change Zaitsev’s plans.

Don’t get him wrong, like any other player he’s disappointed by the NHL’s announcement it was pulling the plug on South Korea. He played for Russia in the September World Cup of Hockey and in past world championships and would love to play for his country in the Olympics.

For now, though, his focus is on the Leafs.

“Here, in our team, we’re just concentrated on the playoffs,” said Zaitsev. “I think everybody wants to play for their national team, especially in the Olympics, but it’s not the right time to think about it right now."’’"

Asked about countryman Alex Ovechkin doubling down this week on a threat to play in South Korea no matter what, Zaitsev clearly has huge respect for the Washington Capitals star but also doesn’t see himself having the same kind of leverage and currency in terms of being able to make that kind of decision.

“I don’t have a $10-million salary here,” said Zaitsev. “So he can do whatever he wants. He’s like a superstar player.”

Added Zaitsev: “I think all Russian people – all Russian players here – like to play for the national team. There’s good people in the national team, so we like to come there and play. I like it, especially if you win something, it’s a pretty good experience.”