20 Dec 2017 18:59:03
Assuming that the Leafs are listed via his M-NTC what would be your thoughts on trading for Niklas Kronwall? Yes, he is an older player, but so is Hainsey. But he is a veteran Right D-Man... which are in short supply; Can log big minutes... a guy which Babcock knows and would trust - not to mention that he could help ease the heavier minutes from the likes of Ron Hainsey & Nikita Zaitsev who are already leading the NHL in penalties killing minutes.

Luke Fox stated on SportsNet (Dec 20) that the Leafs will be hard-pressed to find a top 2 defenceman prior to this years NHL deadline. But they could look to a proven veteran who is signed for 2 more years with Detriot to help strengthen the blue line for a deep playoff run. And considering that it's more likely that the Leafs will do anything thing they can to keep JVR in the fold, I see Bozak being the odd man out next year. Leafs also have a plethora of prospects that they could use as added leverage to present to a team that is potentially looking to hit the reset button.

DET:
Tyler Bozak (C). UFA
Nikita Soshnikov (RW). RFA
Connor Carrick (RD)... RFA
2nd Round Draft Pick. 2018
2nd Round Draft Pick. 2019 * If Bozak does not sign a Long-Term deal for the 2018-19 season

TOR:
Niklas Kronwall (RD). UFA
2nd Round Draft Pick. 2018

1.) 21 Dec 2017
21 Dec 2017 02:35:57
Kronwall isn't a rhd he shoots left.

2.) 21 Dec 2017
21 Dec 2017 16:49:59
My Bad, he is a left shooter, but can and does play the right side when needed.

3.) 22 Dec 2017
21 Dec 2017 23:21:27
Too much for Kronwall who's offence has dried up. And he'll be 37.

You are giving up pretty good youth in Sosh and Carrick, and a vet center who finished in the top 30 in points (centers) last year.

Plus a conditional that the Leafs would have to pay.

Kronwall and the upgrade in the 2nd are clearly not worth it.

4.) 22 Dec 2017
22 Dec 2017 17:26:04
Hey, I am all for keeping youthful prospects within the Leafs organization. But considering that Kapanen and Levio are more likely to secure a spot over Soshnikov (RFA) the risk is worth it.

The same could be said for Carrick (RFA) with the likes of Travis Dermott, Calle Rosén, and Timothy Liljegren looking to crack the lineup.

Oh and let's do not forget the high probability of Igor Ozhiganov from the KHL looking to secure his roster spot with the Leafs next year.

My point being is that one way or another some of these prospects will have to be dealt in order to make the Leafs more competitive. Thus, the risk is worth it to have another veteran (short-term) help with the defensive zone coverage. Plus it would be awesome to hear the sports announcer say "You Just Got Kronwall'ed" in a Leafs uniform.