I don't see Shattenkirk as the answer to the Leafs defence problems and I think he will get more than 6 yrs, 6 mil. I don't see how Kruger would help the leafs either as we would be paying 3 mil for a 4th line centre while losing prospects, when we could pick Bryan Boyle up in free agency for 3 mil easily. The Franson signing doesn't make much sense to me either, he didn't work out in Toronto on his first try, why do it again?

I don't see Shattenkirk getting much more than 6, that would put him top 15 in defence cap hit. Defence doesn't need THE ANSWER, just stability. I think there is depth and stability with that D corps. Kruger gives more flexibility to move up the lineup if injury or deadline Bozak trade. Maybe raise the pick coming back with Kruger, but that deal works for both sides. Timashov replaces Panarin for the Hawks and will be in tough to crack the Leafs roster because there is depth on the wings in that age group. Move the pick down the pipeline a little. Get rid of Hyman so Babs can't put him on the top line. Marchenko and Marincin are replacement level players not prospects. Franson wasn't unsuccessful here. He liked it here and played well enough on a terrible team to have value in picks and prospects during a rebuild. Also Fehr or Sosh could go down for Dermott if 8 D are wanted instead.

Acquiring Kruger is an interesting idea, in my opinion. He would be a reliable defensive forward. The Leafs do not have so much depth at centre and Boyle doesn't sound like he's in the plans. Given that the Hawks are still struggling with their cap, I wonder if they would let him go him for even less. In terms of D, I'm not sure about Stoner.

I like the idea of acquiring Kruger. But Hawks need cap help, and the Leafs aren't going to trade them a starting winger Hyman. Leafs don't need a PP specialist in Shattenkirk or probably Franson either. Rather resign Hunwick instead of having Stoner.