Nikita Zaitsev has been traded in shocking move!

The Ottawa Senators have traded defenseman Nikita Zaitsev on Wednesday night.

The blue liner is heading to Chicago.

The full trade: The Blackhawks acquire Nikita Zaitsev, a 2023 second round pick and 2026 fourth round pick from Ottawa for ‘future considerations’ per sources.

With the trade, Ottawa is able to move nearly $6 million in real cash off the books on Zaitsev's deal. He has one year remaining on a seven-year, $31.5 million deal he signed in May of 2017. The contract carries a cap hit of $4.5 million.

This could lead to another move by the Senators ahead of the March 3rd trade deadline. This would give the Sens enough room to acquire defenseman Jakob Chychrun from the Arizona Coyotes if ever they look to get back in the mix. 

Zaitsev had a limited no-trade clause, but didn't have to waive it for this move to Chicago. In 28 games this season with Ottawa, the veteran defenseman put up five assists and a -5 rating.

The Blackhawks now have nine picks in the first two rounds over the next two drafts : four firsts and five seconds.

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