This group looks frighteningly similar to the one that loses in the first round every year.

It isn't enough change to make me believe that things would be very different TBH.

D is a little stronger, C is a little stronger, w are a little weaker

Would rather just try to get a 2nd round pick for Kerfoot tbh.

I don't think the Hawks are going to run and do that deal. Strome is a good player but if the Leafs are upgrading at 3C they should be looking for somebody who is good at shot suppression and can play some tough minutes on D. Strome isn't that. I'd rather keep Dermott and have him compete to help the D core and make sure they are dressing the best 6 guys every night.

Who in the league would be interested in trading a 2nd for him?

I am just not sure who is interested in paying a 2nd in this cap for a fairly paid (neither cheap nor expensive) okay but not special middle six jack of all trades.

Someone who is desperate for a Centre.

I don't know where the Johnsson/Dermott to Chicago rumor started, but to take either of those contracts, the Leafs are gonna have to take back some salary in the form of Smith or De Haan. That said, Strome isn't very good defensively and probably wouldn't help yall in the long run.

hawks decline