First Name: Luka
Last Name: Zaitsev
Position: LW
Secondary Position: RW
Jersey Number: 9
Height (ft.): 6’2
Weight (lbs.): 190
Birthplace: New Glasgow, NS, Canada

Luka Zaitsev is a season 22 draftee whose rights are owned by the Toronto North Stars. Zaitsev recently changed his name after he found new information about his families heritage. Zaitzev originally named Chance Winston is born in Glasgow, Nova Scotia dreamed of becoming a SHL player since birth. The big winger has plenty of potential and has been honing his skills as a young gun. Zaitzev currently plays for the Vancouver Whalers a team he has called home for the past two seasons. He has stated he would like to return to Vancouver for one last season, but it will be up to North Stars management which direction they put him.

Strengths
Scoring: 90
Skating: 87
Endurance: 80
Puck Handling: 80

Zaitsev is a big winger, who has a cannon of a shot some have compared it to Alexander Ovechkin, with the ability to just overpower goaltenders. He loves to shoot the puck and with his size and power he is intimidating for opposing goalies. The big winger has a very strong stride which he uses to his advantage to get in high scoring position. You combine this with solid endurance and good hand you have a very solid and capable goal scorer. He is not a slouch on passing either but he will always be more of a shoot first type player.

Weaknesses
Checking: 50
Strength: 74
Defense: 70

For a big winger Zaitsev does not use his body at all to his advantage. He will never crush opponents he is more of a finesse type player, rather than a physical one. Another weakness for such a big guy is he needs to hit the gym more, he holds very little strength which may be a concern going forward. Like most young players and pure goal scorers his defense needs work, that's not to say hes awful but he certainly needs work in this area.

NHL Comparable: Radim Vrbata

SHL Projection: Zaitsev will likely never see stardom, however he has all the tools and motivation to become a solid second line player. He wants to become a reliable goal scorer for many seasons, and as long as he continues down this path we fully suspect he will. The North Stars found a very good player coming along as long as he stays motivated the North Stars will get exactly what they need out of there pick.