Leafs interested in Zaitsev from KHL, but nothing signed yet (UPDATED AGAIN)

It looks like “The Zaitsev saga” has finally come to a conclusion. 

Earlier we had a Leaf bolting across the pond when Brandon Kozun was reported to have left for Jokerit, then news began to emerge that Nikita Zaitsev of the KHL’s CSKA Moscow may be joining the Leafs. But there were definitely some mixed signals.

According to Sportsnet’s Chris Johnston, Zaitsev was visiting Toronto, and the Leafs are interested in acquiring him, but he will return to the KHL for the 2015-16 season.

Here’s how things unfolded earlier.

So, we managed to find the article from Sports-Express, and it sort of read like the Leafs and Zaitsev may have reached an agreement, but he wouldn’t be coming across to North America until next year. 

Then there was this:

If your Russian is not what it used to be, that roughly translates to “CSKA Defender Nikita Zaytsev is indeed in Toronto for talks with the President, “Leafs” Brendan Šènahènom.” And I’m assuming that last word means “Shanahan”, or maybe even “Shanaplan.”

Even though the deal isn’t going down right now, Johnston did mention the Leafs are still believed to be suitors for the young defenceman. 

Zaitsev had 32 points in 57 games for CSKA this past season as a 23-year-old, and appears to be a highly-touted Russian blue-liner. He’s listed at 6’1 and 187 pounds.

If this deal ever happens, signing Zaitsev would simply be a low risk-potentially high reward sort of move, which is what had people so excited about it earlier today. It’ll be something to keep an eye on.