Saad option

Kapanen alone isn’t enough for Saad, and TML doesn’t have the cap space to do this.

out of curiousity why would TML want Saad?

makes 2.8M more (you would ned to retain 50%)
is 4 years older
scores at 0.1ppg less thank Kappy
is signed for 1 less year
wingers are not the issue for TML (perhaps a 3rd line C / bu G / Def)

If the blackhawks are trading Saad its going to be for pick(s) or prospect(s). Trading Saad signals that we are not competing this year, and to trade laterally for a similar player wouldn't make sense. Same with Gus, its not gonna be for a guy like Brodie

If Saad could garner a top pairing LHD from somewhere, somehow, I would pull the trigger.

Because defense is a big issue for Toronto and defense is a 5 man game on the ice not a 2 man game on the ice. Saad would automatically be their best defensive winger and their best power forward.

Hawks easily decline this move. Kap is a good middle six winger but doesn't play good defense and isn't dynamic enough of a goal scorer to overcome that shortcoming.