Blackhawks Bottom Line: Nikita Zaitsev Played His Depth Role Out In Chicago

Over the course of the next month, Chicago Hockey Now will be profiling every Chicago Blackhawks player from the 2023-24 season. Today, will be defenseman Nikita Zaitsev

Nikita Zaitsev
Defenseman
Games Played: 38
(Goals – Assists – Points): 2-5-7
Contract Status:  UFA

The Short View

Between injury and healthy scratches, Zaitsev’s season was a limited one and when on the ice, he was on the third pairing and unfortunately, sometimes getting beaten by a play or two. Not always a fan favorite, Zaitsev had some moments where his only two goals of the season came in Chicago victories.

The Long View

When Kyle Davidson spoke of improving the roster, it’s going to be the blue line where that improvement will likely play out. Zaitsev is a depth defenseman at this point, but not at the $4.5M AAV price point he had this year. Acquired for a second (Roman Kantserov) and fourth-round pick (2026), he’s likely played out the string in Chicago and will go elsewhere–unless there’s a mutual interest at a very reasonable price.

The Bottom Line for Nikita Zaitsev

With a glut of talent bursting in the pipeline along with potential free agents or even acquisitions via trades, Zaitsev has likely played his final game with the Blackhawks. Chicago helped Ottawa escape some cap hell while the Hawks were able to parlay a couple draft picks out of it. Zaitsev also played his role on a team that needed to ice a roster. As the team begins to bring talent up, players like Zaitsev are the likeliest to be on their way out with expiring deals.

Perhaps if there’s that interest to take less money to play a depth role, he remains. But all signs certainly point to a new beginning for both Zaitsev and the Hawks.