Unless the Flames move either Russell or Wideman (or both), I don't think they would sign Zaitsev. If I am a hot-shot young defencemen who can only sign a one year entry-level deal, I am going to the team that can promise me playing time.
I would bet Chicago signs him. Good chance for him to take a regular shift as the 5th-6th defencemen. Chicago tends to only play a top 4, but I would think that has a lot more to do with the cap than any system they implement.
Detroit would be an excellent fit for him. Colombus (doubtful he would go there) would perhaps be the best fit - they are desperate for defencemen from what you hear.
Probably goes to a market in the East, for a team that can promise him a spot on the team and maybe even a certain number of minutes per game, and even then probably a team who has a Russian in their lineup already.
Would be a very solid pickup. Hope the Flames end up grabbing him. It was the Flames who were the very first team to bring in a Russian, so who knows.
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