Most of these articles relate to player signings and possible trades that can help franchises reach their full potential for the upcoming year.
One team that is still searching for help is Toronto as the Maple Leafs are thin on the back line and could use another defender or two. Ryan Ritchie has suggested a deal that could help the Leafs with their dilemma.
The proposed trade would have defender Kevin Shattenkirk of St Louis head north of the border and the Blues would receive forward Leo Komorov, forward Byron Froese, and defender Rinat Valiev. This trade would help both franchises for multiple reasons, most notably the fact it seems likely St Louis has little chance to resign the 27-year-old to a new contract and risk losing him and getting nothing in return.
With the amount of young talent about to hit Toronto, the front office will have to start making some tough decisions. These three players are all quality individuals with good skill sets, but won’t likely be the type of players this franchise needs to finally challenge for the playoffs on a regular basis and letting them go now will help their careers moving forward, but also allow the front office for Toronto to acquire the type of players they want to finish the rebuilding job put in place last summer.
Shattenkirk helps head coach Mike Babcock put the roster he wants in place and the style of play he demands as he looks to make this squad a winner. The veteran is still young enough to help for the next five plus years, but has enough experience to blend with James van Riemsdyk and the rest of the defenders on the current roster.
There’s been speculation the front office is looking to add NHL free agent Kris Russell, a veteran that could also fill the void this team has on its roster, but the bold move and the right decision is to push the Blues for Shattenkirk, a player that will make this team better on both ends of the ice and the type of individual this franchise needs to become a contender.
