- The Blackhawks will welcome back defenseman Nikita Zaitsev tonight against Washington, relays Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times. The 32-year-old had missed the last 19 games with a knee injury and bone fracture. Zaitsev has played in 26 games so far this season, recording two goals and five assists along with 52 blocks and 55 hits. Meanwhile, his average ice time is down to 15:56 per night, a career low. That’s not exactly the ideal platform season that Zaitsev was looking for as he’ll be hitting unrestricted free agency in July.