Five Nikita Zaitsev facts

Defenseman Nikita Zaitsev has slowly been rising to the top of the Russian game, and after impressing the Toronto Maple Leafs enough for them to sign him, Nikita is preparing for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey with the Russian national team in high spirits.

Starred throughout the 2015/2016 campaign

Along with forward Vadim Shipachyov, Nikita Zaitsev was one of two Russia players included in the 2016 IIHF World Championship team of the tournament. Indeed, Nikita was one of Russia's real bright sparks throughout the competition, and amazingly, the team didn't concede once with him on the ice. It's not surprising that Toronto head coach Mike Babcock made the trip to Moscow to watch Nikita in action. 

Nikita also caught the eye during the KHL season, and made the top six players shortlist of the year.

His father wanted him to be a forward

Despite many children wanting to score the goals, Nikita always wanted to be a defenseman, right from the word go. However, his father disagreed with him, and and he would have preferred if Nikita had become a striker.

Fell asleep at a baseball match

When asked a question about the baseball match which Nikita attended, he stated that he fell asleep during the match. After all, baseball rules are hard to understand for those who aren't familiar with the sport.

Nevertheless, Nikita is planning on purchasing a special baseball television channel as to learn more about the sport. Or maybe, he simply wants a good lullaby...

Rescued kittens

You'll love the next installment of Nikita Zaitsev's story:

- Is it true, that after seeing an Instagram post about homeless kittens that needed treatment, you donated money?

- Yes, it was while I was in Novogorsk. It wasn't an easy process to give money either, I had to make two bank transfers. In the end up, everything worked out well.

You can watch Nikita Zaitsev in action at the Russia - Czech Republic match on the 8th of September in Saint Petersburg. Tickets are still on sale.

Russian Ice Hockey Federation