The Ottawa Senators traded Nikita Zaitsev and two draft picks to the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday for future consideration.
The picks are second round this year and fourth round in 2026.
The 31-year-old Russian defender has provided five assists this season, in 28 games.
Zaitsev’s most productive season in the NHL was his first, in 2016-17.
He had four goals and 36 points with Toronto, appearing in all Maple Leafs games.
In 426 NHL games, he has 19 goals and 108 points.
“We are happy to give Nikita a fresh start,” said Senators general manager Pierre Dorion. Throughout his time with us he has been a true pro, a caring teammate and a quiet leader. We are happy to have had him in our ranks. We wish good luck to him and his family. »