Historical Hockey and Sports Memorabilia Auction June 2025
After years of frustration and falling short, the Toronto Maple Leafs began to see signs of a
resurgence in the late-2010s. The team was young, hungry, and building toward something
special—and part of that turning point came with the addition of an experienced, right-shot
defenseman from Russia. Nikita Zaitsev arrived in Toronto after starring for CSKA Moscow in
the KHL, and though undrafted, he quickly made an impact. Steady on the blue line and logging
big minutes, Zaitsev helped stabilize a Leafs defense that needed it. Toronto reached the
playoffs in each of his three seasons with the club, gaining crucial postseason experience that
laid the groundwork for the team’s future success.
Presented here is Zaitsev’s white Adidas game-worn jersey from the 2017–18 season, size 58.
The NHL and Adidas crests are affixed to the front and reverse neckline, with a fight strap sewn
inside. His number “22” is stitched on both sleeves and the back in blue single twill, with
“ZAITSEV” placed on a white nameplate.
Signs of game use are clear throughout: faint puck marks appear on the front, while the right
sleeve features heavier wear, puck and stick marks, a yellow transfer scuff near the shoulder,
and several team repairs on the lower sleeve. More stick marks, blue transfer scuffs, and repairs
can be seen on the left sleeve. Inside is a heat-pressed “Official Game-Worn” patch marked
H-0314 on the hem, matching the number on the included COA.
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