BREAKING: Game-breaking prospect chooses KHL over NHL

When the Toronto Maple Leafs first signed defenseman Nikita Zaitsev out of the KHL last offseason, it was hoped that he’d settle into the team’s top six defence corps and add some stability to a young group. What happened was Zaitsev exceeded expectations beyond the team’s wildest beliefs and is now signed to a seven year deal and figures to be a mainstay in the team’s top four defence.

The success of the Zaitsev experiment had many Leafs fans excited at the prospect of signing 23 year old Russian Vladimir Tkachyov, as well. However, it was not meant to be. Tkachyov’s representation announced earlier today that the winger had re-signed with his hometown team AK Bars Kazan of the KHL.

The talented goal scorer put up 15 goals and 32 points in 58 games with Ak-Bars in 2016-17, while also adding 11 points in 15 playoff games. It was hot rumoured by trusted NHL insider Elliotte Friedman that the player would sign in Toronto. 

While little is known about Tkachyov’s KHL extension, it’s been reported that a guarantee of consideration for Russia’s Olympic team in 2018 helped him decide to stay home. With the NHL declining to participate, that option did not exist for him in North America.