Report: Russian prospect Nikita Zaitsev gaining interest from NHL clubs

Russian free agent prospect Nikita Zaitsev has his eyes set on the NHL, and NHL clubs already have their eyes set on him.

The 24-year-old defenseman, who plays for the KHL's CSKA Moskva, will participate in a tournament next week that is expected to draw interest from several NHL clubs, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Calgary Flames, and Vancouver Canucks, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman said during Saturday's Headlines segment from "Hockey Night in Canada."

Zaitsev's agent, Todd Diamond, told Friedman his client is definitely coming to the NHL next year.

Some teams have already gone overseas to meet with Zaitsev to see what his interests are, Friedman said.

Zaitsev has four goals and 13 points in 22 games this season.