Blackhawks 2019-20 v1

That VAN trade is pretty realistic. Everyone dumps on Seabs, but it's because he makes close to $7M. He still plays 21+ min a game and is a physical presence on the back end. He's actually the best player in that deal to be honest. I don't think VAN is retaining salary on Gagner.

The retained salary makes the cap change between Gagner and Manning equal, and the only way the Hawks are able to do this deal without being over the cap.

ok, I hear ya. Can't argue to much. My opinion is that I tend to think that any Ganger trade has larger implication. Gagner is an AHL player. I'm not a fan of Manning, but the Hawks actually need some physical Dmen. Kase made Forsling look silly last night because Forsling isn't physical. I'd be ok with keeping Manning for 1 more year if we need to. It's not THAT much money, but he's not good.

You're absolutely right, that is a very small blue line. Muzzin would be our best shutdown d-man on this team. Manning helps on the physicality side of things but makes too many mistakes and is too much of an overall detriment to justify keeping him.