Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Nikita Zaitsev will not play in Game 1 against the Washington Capitals on Thursday, head coach Mike Babcock confirmed, according to ESPN's Pierre LeBrun.

The 25-year-old was forced from Toronto's final regular-season game against the Columbus Blue Jackets on Sunday, and has not participated in practice over the past two days.

It's tough news for the Maple Leafs, as Zaitsev finished second on the team behind Jake Gardiner in points by a defenseman with 36 in 82 games.

Zaitsev's absence means Martin Marincin will fill in on the Maple Leafs' blue line, reports TSN's Mark Masters.

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