This is probably a little more farfetched, but I think it has more upside for the Sharks. We all know the Sharks prospect pool is lacking defensemen of quality, so that is why a deal like this improves the position of the organization in that regard. We all understand that the Sharks need help for the future on their back end, and they would get that in a move like this one.
Conor Timmins is a defenseman whose stock has seemed to drop over the last few seasons. When he was a member of the Colorado Avalanche, he was very highly thought of, but injuries have derailed his development. He's still a quality bottom pairing or extra defenseman, and he's got term on a deal where he makes $1.1 million a season. He could be future trade bait as well as a potential fix for the Sharks.
Topi Niemala is a defensive prospect that has been very highly touted in the Leafs organization. He's unlikely to be moved, but the Sharks using their final retention slot on Kahkonen in a move like this would probably demand a prospect of that quality in the same position to go the other way. It's not an ideal situation for either team, but the return for both players would explain the return.
As for the draft picks, that would be for making up the difference in value since an NHL player and starting goalie will always have more value than a prospect, and a bottom pairing defenseman. It gives the Sharks the potential to try and grab an extra prospect out of this deal on the draft floor. Good management might allow the Sharks to make more of it. What do you think?