Conservative Offseason

Hawks are not adding a pick back in this type of trade. If you want to upgrade one of our picks that’s cool… but we aren’t paying a third round pick for the chance to flip Ellen for maybe a 4th at the deadline.

I don't think there's much to that report about letting Strome walk. He's got 40 points in his last 44 games. SURE, we all know he's not the driving factor on that line, but he knows how to play with Kane/Debrincat. He's good at the dot, has good vision, passing, and net front presence. I just don't see how a Qualifying Offer of $3.6M doesn't at least keep him around for 1 more year.

Even against the Sharks their last game. The Hawks lost 4-1, but when the top line of Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane and Dylan Strome were on the ice at even strength, the Blackhawks led in shot attempts (13-2) shots on goal (5-1) and scoring chances (5-2) and high-danger chances (3-0) per Natural Statrick. Seems like a slam dunk to keep him around for $3.6M. Maybe they can flip him at the TDL?

looking at other players, he could go for far more when retained. similar players such as Jarnkrok brought back a 2nd rounder, Copp garnered a 2nd without retention, Kulak garnered a 2nd and prospect despite being a 3rd pairing guy, Larsson returned a 3rd for being a 4th line guy. Washington isn't paying someone to take a 3rd line center with PK experience and has a year left on the contract, but if Chicago doesn't have space for him, another team would be more than happy to step up.

Fair. I was slightly surprised when I saw that, but it was about a month or so ago so things definitely could have changed.

I'll try to hunt down the report, all I know is that it was by Scott Powers.

Oh no, you're right. I've read that too. I just don't understand it, is all. His QO is only $3.6M. What else is a rebuilding team going to do with that if you don't want Strome?