Leafs' Zaitsev not cleared for World Championship due to head injury
Dan Hamilton / USA Today Sports
Nikita Zaitsev will not represent Russia at the 2017 World Championship in Paris and Germany.
The Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman did not gain the necessary medical clearance from team doctors after suffering a head injury, according to Chris Johnston of Sportsnet.
Nikita Zaitsev says this was his first concussion. He found it tough to get up to speed after returning in the playoffs.
— Chris Johnston (@reporterchris) April 25, 2017
Zaitsev appeared in four of six playoff games against the Washington Capitals, including the final three games, in which he averaged well over 20 minutes of ice time.
He failed to record a point and was a minus-four in the series following a strong showing in the regular season as a rookie.