Kevin ‘Shatter the Bank’ Shattenkirk
Firstly, since there are no fits within mainstream trade rumors, let’s revisit the Toronto Maple Leafs options for free agency come July 1, 2017
Kevin Shattenkirk is the crown jewel of this summer’s free agency. The undisputed top RH defenceman available July 1st, 2017
As a result, he will garner interest from every team with cap space to burn. Based solely on his numbers, he is undoubtedly worth every penny for the first three years of the contract the NY Rangers will throw at him.
Shattenkirk wants to be “The Guy”. Well, he will that guy for the Leafs while winning a Stanley Cup or two. Or more. Just not for $7 Million dollars/per year. Let’s speculate for a moment. What if the Toronto Maple Leafs offer him a 2 year deal for $17 million dollars, $8.5 per season? The understanding being that should things work out the team will extend him at a more team friendly number.
James Tanner has convinced me Shattenkirk would look great in the Blue and White. Should Lou find a way financially to make this work? Yes of course. Eventually, players must decide what their priorities are, The Cup, or $$$. It is difficult to pull both off together. At this point in time, the Leafs aren’t ready to challenge for a Stanley Cup as with the current roster. Ultimately, with the addition of Shattenkirk and the maturation of the young roster, this team will surprise.
Kevin Shattenkirk can be "the guy" for the Toronto Maple @MapleLeafs and win a cup or two, but not for 7M x 7 pic.twitter.com/2pdGg9XsQn
— Harte of a Lion (@BruceAshley4) June 26, 2017
With those statistics, Shattenkirk patrolling the right side will move the Toronto Maple Leafs D from average to very good.