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Toronto Maple Leafs: Targeting Free Agent Kevin Shattenkirk

By Andrew Boehmer

May 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) moves the puck ahead of Pittsburgh Penguins center Matt Cullen (7) during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) moves the puck ahead of Pittsburgh Penguins center Matt Cullen (7) during the first period in game three of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Toronto Maple Leafs might want to target free agent Kevin Shattenkirk.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have probably already stuck their nose in the idea.

However, it doesn’t hurt to examine it a little closer.

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By the way, this isn’t beating a dead horse because who really knows where he’ll end up going.

There’s a lot on the line with this guy.

Shattenkirk’s arguably going to be the most wanted free agent come July 1, 2017.

If the price is right, why shouldn’t the Leafs go after him?

That being said, let’s dig a little deeper like we’ve done with Marc-Edouard Vlasic, Brandon Montour, Josh Manson and Chris Tanev.

The obvious difference for this article is that Shattenkirk’s a free agent, so it’s not going to be an acquisition from a trade.

Duh.

Possible Contract

Shattenkirk’s going to be looking for a raise, nobody’s questioning that.

My guess is that the Washington Capitals can’t afford it.

But, just how much will his next contract be worth and for how long?

It’s assumed that he’s looking for seven years worth $7 million annually.

He already turned down one offer of $6 million for seven years.

Could be that he just didn’t want to play there or it wasn’t enough money.

Well, the 7×7 might be a little too much for the Leafs considering the fact that they’ll have a few hefty contracts to hand out in the next couple of years.

But, he does have some interest in the Leafs as per Nick Kypreos.

"Everybody believes he’s (Kevin Shattenkirk) going to be the top UFA available. I think on his wish list of long-term deals, he’s got about 12 teams. I’m told two of them are Canadian teams. I think it’s safe to say that he doesn’t envision himself being an Edmonton Oiler or a Calgary Flame, but the feeling is Toronto and Montreal."

There you have it, he’s open to the Canadian market.

Now, I’m not saying he’ll drop his price tag, but he’s at least expressed some interest in moving north of the border.

Although that quote is from February, times may have changed since then.

Reasoning for Kevin Shattenkirk

Why not?

He was drafted 14th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft to the Colorado Avalanche.

Subsequently, the Avalanche did not win the trade in my opinion.

He’s scored 68 goals and 298 points in 490 games played, adding five goals and 34 points in 58 playoff games in the NHL.

He’s a right-handed shot, standing 6 ft and weighing about 210 lb, a slightly above average defender in size.

He packs a heavy shot, capable of logging a lot of minutes, especially on the power play and can contribute both offensively and defensively.

He’s the Leafs best look right now, but the cost may be too high.

We’ll have to wait and see what unfolds, though.

However, picturing Shattenkirk donning the blue and white is a beautiful sight.

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