I've watched some of his games over the net, he's good but not spectacular and looks like he's got a lot to work on if he wants to make the NHL, now whether that's because of him or being on a crappy team I can't say.
- DariusKnight

If he really is decent over on the ice surface, his size should make the transition easier. Hard to be out of position when you can touch both side boards at the same time...

If he really is decent over on the ice surface, his size should make the transition easier. Hard to be out of position when you can touch both side boards at the same time...
- WhiteLie

Size isn't everything you know, it's how you apply it... small, but hard and vigorously... after about 6 inches you're already plumbing the depths... of the NHL

If he really is decent over on the ice surface, his size should make the transition easier. Hard to be out of position when you can touch both side boards at the same time...
- WhiteLie

Again you guys are talking about two different players.

Nikita Zaitsev is the player that we're talking about. He's a pending UFA from the KHL and his North American agent is fielding offers, apparently Canucks are interested, as are a bunch of other teams. He stands just over 6' and is only about 180lbs.

Size isn't everything you know, it's how you apply it... small, but hard and vigorously... after about 6 inches you're already plumbing the depths... of the NHL
- DariusKnight

The undersized need to do a little more to be noticed, do things differently, have skill or stamina. The big ones just need to their job and not be utterly disappointing...

Again you guys are talking about two different players.

Nikita Zaitsev is the player that we're talking about. He's a pending UFA from the KHL and his North American agent is fielding offers, apparently Canucks are interested, as are a bunch of other teams. He stands just over 6' and is only about 180lbs.
- 1970vintage

I am more curious about the Tree's progress at this point anyway since he is actually the team's property and we have a trend in not signing sought-after FA lately

the tree... has anyone heard that he's actually good? tryamkin
- kaptaan

Was thinking of the guy from friedmans article on sportsnet about an undrafted guy ripping it up. I guess about 6 teams are trying to sign him

the tree... has anyone heard that he's actually good? tryamkin
- kaptaan

Yes he is the real deal. He was a star in world juniors and easily the best Dman in KHL by a long shot.

Just go to youtube and put his name in for highlight videos. Guy is huge, skates amazing, hits big, gets breakaways, scores from the point with a hard shot, playmakes, etc.... like a young pronger.

I'm praying he's here next season after his contract expires in russia.

All smiles on the new blog after a very fun game last night:

http://www.hockeybuzz.com...Win-over-Flyers/194/72226

Yes he is the real deal. He was a star in world juniors and easily the best Dman in KHL by a long shot.

Just go to youtube and put his name in for highlight videos. Guy is huge, skates amazing, hits big, gets breakaways, scores from the point with a hard shot, playmakes, etc.... like a young pronger.

I'm praying he's here next season after his contract expires in russia.
- SMBDragon

He's not leaving the KHL unless he's got a guaranteed spot on the Canucks, he's stated repeatedly he doesn't want to play for Utica and prefers the KHL (even though his team sucks and the owners have no money)

Yes he is the real deal. He was a star in world juniors and easily the best Dman in KHL by a long shot.

Just go to youtube and put his name in for highlight videos. Guy is huge, skates amazing, hits big, gets breakaways, scores from the point with a hard shot, playmakes, etc.... like a young pronger.

I'm praying he's here next season after his contract expires in russia.
- SMBDragon

"Easily the best Dman in the KHL."

Sorry, but you are WAY off base here. He isn't even the best Dman on his own team