Report: Oilers showing interest in Leafs' Zaitsev

The Edmonton Oilers have interest in Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Nikita Zaitsev, according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

The Leafs and Zaitsev have been working together to find the right-handed blue-liner a new home for personal and private reasons. The Vancouver Canucks reportedly contacted Toronto about his services already.

Zaitsev found success with the Leafs during his 36-point rookie season in 2016-17. Former general manager Lou Lamoriello then rewarded him with a seven-year deal carrying a $4.5-million cap hit. But the Russian hasn't been able to find his offensive form since signing his extension, tallying 27 points in 141 games over the last two seasons.

The 27-year-old has been deployed primarily in a defensive role over the last two years and managed to form a respectable shutdown pairing with Jake Muzzin down the stretch this past season.

Zaitsev has a 10-team no-trade list that takes effect on July 1, so there's an incentive for the Maple Leafs to move him as soon as possible.

The Oilers have just $9.83 million in cap space this summer, according to CapFriendly. Adam Larsson, Matt Benning, Ethan Bear, Ryan Mantha, and 2018 first-rounder Evan Bouchard currently comprise the organization's depth chart for right-shooting defensemen.

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