Why does any team want to take on Zaitsev's contract?

Who out there goes "Man we really need an overpayed, underperforming dman that is on a very expensive and long term contract..."

Regarding who would take Zaitsev, I would think a lot of teams would be interested in a RD, yes his salary isn't the greatest but its quite difficult to come by a RD as trade bait. I see Peter Chiarelli and the Oilers as a possible candidate because the depth of the Oilers defence isn't that good and Chiarelli is known for making rash trades/signings.

That offence would put up big numbers if that defense could ever get the puck out of their own end.

2nd best offense and 5th best defense in the league... But k?

Exactly - people get infatuated by how Pittsburgh won with a "defence by committee" design. They still had Letang - who played lights out good for their 2016 cup win - they blocked hundreds of shots (which the Leafs could do too) and had veterans who were very physical and had quick/simple zone exits. Not to mention, two top 50 players of ALL TIME representing their centre core.

The Leafs have too many young, unproven defenceman and that will be even more amplified when Gardiner walks and almost all of your cap space goes to your forward core. As good as the Leafs are offensively playoff nerves are a thing, and young defenseman are more likely to fumble-f**k the puck in their own zone. I could see Toronto getting past Boston this year if they match up again, but I can't see them beating Tampa if that is their match-up in round one or round two. Tampa matches them pound for pound on offence and goaltending, but their defence-core is much more reliable than Toronto's.

I wasn't being critical of this year's defense. This post is rostering a defense with Rielly and prospects. Three of the leafs current top 4 defensemen are not included in this team.

Oz is preforming as to be expected, nothing special. Could easily be replaced. Gardiner has taken a HUGE step back this year where as Dermott has taken a huge step forward, he is easily replaced. Zaitsev is slowly returning back to first year form, once he fully learns how to balance his offense and defense he will be decent. Hainsey is slot in up and down the line up and right now Sandin is tearing up the A and Lili is looking more solid every year. The easy commentary is Torontos lack of defense, but its not the case to the level that people believe. Hainsey realistically resigns after his deal for a very team friendly one, and to say Toronto wont make some upgrade on the back end is silly thinking.