The westward drive from Moscow, the capital of Russia, to Italy is at least 3,000 kilometres. That distance doesn’t bother the Zaitsev family.



Over the course of three days this summer, Nikita, his father, Igor, and brother, Arseniy, made the three-day trek from the Russian capital to Italy, a popular destination among Russian hockey players, apparently. It’s become an annual tradition for Nikita and his dad to make the trip. This was the third time they’ve done it. Each time, Zaitsev said, the journey was special, mostly because of the scenic routes through Poland, Germany and eventually, Italy.



“Mountains and rivers. It’s crazy. Really beautiful,” said the Maple Leafs defenceman.



When he played in the KHL, Zaitsev might spend up to six weeks on holiday before he would start to train for the season.



But after his first full season in the NHL, he took only three weeks vacation this off-season, and with good...