Just a Thought

Because of his age and the high price you have to give up (Keith is still that good) I wouldn't do this as a jets fan but it is a new interesting thought.

Just a thought? Well a real good thought. A lot of variables to the trade but your logic is sound. In most trades like this it's a young rebuilding team Winnipeg, sending a wily veteran to the contending team Hawks for a younger assets. Here is the upcoming team Winnipeg team, sending the young player to the contending Hawks for a veteran. Think a straight one for one trade only,,,not trade picks.
Trouba might so happy to leave Winnipeg maybe he will sign for 1.0m. Maybe not but 6.5m seems high. Makes the signing of Panarin looking tough for next year.

I can understand the thought process behind what you're saying, but if you're seriously looking at trading Keith I think you'll find that it's EXTREMELY hard to get value back. He's on one of the best contracts in the NHL. Because he's an athletic/workout STUD. No signs of slowing down. A $5.5M cap hit for a X2 Norris, X3 Cup, and Conn Smythe. They need to win now. This goes to Palhal's point, the cap space he saves is HUGE. You have to spend millions more to get a lesser Dman.

The best bet for a trade is a contending Eastern Conference team 3-4 years down the road...if the hawks aren't contending. He's driven to win and if the hawks aren't...he'll accept a trade. The worst he'll ever be is a good #3 even if he's 41 and his cap hit in a few years will be an even bigger benefit.

I am not even considering Chicago to re-sign Panarin. Even if Duncs is to stay and $1M is saved from my proposal, it does not appear there is adequate money for the Breadman. If this indeed is the case, no one should be surprised based on all of the long term cap hits tied up in their rather large core group. And that is a shame!

Again, this idea came with the "injury" news. Honestly, I think Keith will be ready to go from game one and have his typical stellar numbers and overall game again this season. I think he simply has played enough hockey over the years and wants a break. That goes for Seabrook and Hjalmarsson as well -- the games played. Hjammer will be representing Sweden and deservedly so. I do love the Campbell signing. He may even sign a couple of more one year deals at the same rate if he feels he can still contribute at the high level he currently is at. But again, these four guys are getting a bit older so it seems to make sense to keep options open.

A lot can be said with guys like 2,4&7 to play entire careers with their drafted team, especially with the 3 Cups already won. Just as much could also be said by having constant, open communication between the two parties if things were to change as life tends to do with most of us. Many Hawks fans do not want to view the crystal ball in an unfavorable way. As much as we have enjoyed the success so far, this team really could drop off in a hurry without suitable reinforcements, numerous of whom have already been jettisoned elsewhere. They have some good contracts, just perhaps too many to actually keep the team championship strong, or at least that is how I realistically see it.