Quoting: NucksFanForLife
How is Zaitsev better than Stetcher? The only numbers that Zaitsev can top Stetcher in are blocked shots, hits, and dZs%. Stetcher has better CF%, CF Rel, FF%, FF Rel, oiSH%, oiSV%, PDO, TK, GV, Thru%, GF/60, GA/60, and Pts/60. All in only 1:30 fewer ES TOI. Zaitsev only really plays more because he kills a ton of penalties, but is the worst Leaf at it. Stetcher has been impressive when given a chance to kill penalties, his unit scoring twice as many goals as the opposing power play. He's also played 22+ minutes of ice time when needed and has excelled in that position, so he can play more than he's being given now. I know I'm a Canucks fan, but honestly I'd like to know why you think Zaitsev is better. Also, Stetcher has a better contract by far.
He is the most responsible defenceman in his own end on the Leafs roster, I do think Gardiner is a terrible partner for him but that is a different issue. When Dermott and Zaitsev are together, they have extremely good Corsi numbers, mainly because Dermott and Zaitsev together do a lot more skating with the puck. With Gardiner, Jake just sends the puck up ice and often causes turnovers that result in Zaitsev breaking up odd man rushes.
I am not at all saying Zaitsev is a star, he's a middle pair defenceman. Stecher is a health scratch on a good team.
Also, I'd wager if you did the digging, you'd find that the difficulty in competition is much harder for Zaitsev than Stetcher.