Russian free agent defenceman Nikita Zaitsev is planning on signing with the Toronto Maple Leafs, according to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman.

Friedman reported last October that Zaitsev’s agent said the KHLer is coming to North America next season.

The 24-year-old blue-liner has been of interest to more than a few NHL clubs, with the Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers and Los Angeles among team reported to have been interested in acquiring his services.