or..... trade for a right handed defenceman???

like not a bad idea, but why give up these assets for another LD, we need RD and there must be a few options out there?

I'm also not terribly sure about the value here, given that Zaitzev is basically a cap dump. His money isn't that bad, but he's paid for 6 more years and I can't see Zona liking that very much.

Hjal is a Rd. Handedness doesn't really matter anyways, we just need a Rd. This obsession with a RHD is weird from alot of the leafs fan base. Rielly and Dermott both play their off side, as does hainsey (they almost always have) and we just need another top 4 d to fill up the lineup as hainsey is not like he used to be.

But I will repeat, handedness does not matter.

Also hjal is a great dfd in the league, so why you wouldn't want him is strange to me.

I agree he's a great DFD and I'm willing to say that this is a good idea for the Leafs, I just question whether it is THE BEST idea for the leafs. They could try to get a RHD (which isn't too big a deal, but I prefer it considering our top 5 would all be LH). However, I see your point and I'd say this deal or a similar one is definitely a good idea if we wanna compete now and in the future because his contract is not too bad considering we are getting rid of Zaitzev.
That being said, we would have to sign him to a very similar deal to the one he is on, and IDK if he'd be willing to. We might lose him before next season, and then I question whether moving a long-term piece in Zaitzev (plus two futures) is worth it. I'd much rather get someone with term on a similar cap hit - maybe someone like Tanev (but hopefully less injured)

He's got a two year extension that kicks in after this year at 5 million.

ohhhhhh good to know....

that makes it so much better! I didn't realize he was inked for a friendly contract, and that definitely changes my outlook. If hes here for 3 more years it's a good trade.