Dermott is going to be a top 4 defenseman for years in the NHL and Leafs are not trading him.

Yes more lefties to play the right side. That will totally solve the RD problem. You should also trade Holl for another LD as well.

Handedness is overrated. So long as a player is capable of playing the right effectively, it doesn't much matter.

However, I do disagree with acquiring Hjalmarsson. 33 year old rental who played 27 games this season and was horrid in those games for a 2nd, 3rd, and prospect... I'll pass.

Why is it that I mostly see Leafs fans pretending handness doesn't matter amongst dmen?

I'd take that trade as MN as like a 4th or 5th option.

I actually had an idea for the issue. Trade Kap for a low 1st (18-30) and draft Braden Schneider. Kids supposed to be a very good 2-way defenseman. Its realistic as rebuilding or playoff teams would want a player like kapenan who is good at both ends and can skate like a rocket.

Hjalmarsson could be good but im not sure how we extend him.

Well handinsess doesn't matter so much as the effectiveness of the player. It just isn't some Leafs fans, it's non Leafs fans who think the have to sacrifice so much just to obtain a RHD.
Gee even in this trade, Hammer isn't a righty, won't give his NMC (he's retired right now in Arizona), and really I'll take Dermot to play any Dman position/pairing for the Leafs