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Toronto Maple Leafs: Free Agents the Leafs Should be Looking to Attract

By Matthew Rodrigopulle

Feb 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Zach Hyman (11) talks to center Auston Matthews (34) as center William Nylander (29) and defenseman Roman Polak (46) look on against the New York Rangers at Air Canada Centre. The Rangers beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Zach Hyman (11) talks to center Auston Matthews (34) as center William Nylander (29) and defenseman Roman Polak (46) look on against the New York Rangers at Air Canada Centre. The Rangers beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 in the shootout. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

2017 Free Agents:

Kevin Shattenkirk, D, Washington Capitals

Traded from the St. Louis Blues to the Washington Capitals on Monday evening, Kevin Shattenkirk is probably the number one free agent the Leafs should pursue.

The Leafs are lacking a top 2 pairing defenceman–badly. Kevin Shattenkirk can fill that void easily. The Leafs may have missed out in acquiring him before the deadline, but that’s okay, because Washington probably won’t have the cap to sign him either simply making him a rental player.

So far this season, Shattenkirk has 11 goals and 31 assists for 42 points in 62 games. This is certainly impressive for a defenceman. He also averages about 19:51 total time on ice per game. Shattenkirk can definitely be useful in any top four role.

He is only 28 years old, which is a great age for a long term role in our rebuild. If the Leafs can sign him long term to a reasonable contract, it would be more than great for Toronto’s blueline.

Shattenkirk surely wants to win. If he gets a cup with Washington this season, he might be a lot more willing to join the Leafs who are not exactly cup contenders yet. If he doesn’t win, he might still be willing to come to Toronto. We’re a promising team, and players know it. Hopefully he realizes the potential of the Leafs to eventually reach the cup contending position.

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