Nikita Zaitsev's reported contract extension with the Toronto Maple Leafs doesn't appear to be in jeopardy.
The defenseman is having a strong rookie season, though news of a new contract comes at a rather odd time, as the NHL announced earlier this week that it will not be sending its players to the 2018 Winter Olympics.
The decision has upset players, especially Russians - such as Alex Ovechkin, who insists he will still participate in the Games with or without NHL approval.
Zaitsev says the news has not changed his mind about staying in North America, according to Sportsnet's Chris Johnston.
Last Thursday, it was reported that the Maple Leafs and Zaitsev were finalizing a seven-year contract extension that would pay the 25-year-old an average of $4.5 million per season.
Zaitsev's comments suggest that deal is still likely to be signed. As far as leaving the NHL to participate in the Olympics, Zaitsev insists Ovechkin has earned the right to make those claims.
"I don’t have a $10-million salary here," said Zaitsev. "So he can do whatever he wants. He’s like a superstar player."
It's a safe bet to assume that had NHLers been allowed to go, Zaitsev would have been part of the Russian squad. He represented Russia at the World Cup of Hockey in September, contributing two assists in four games.
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