I like the idea of trading for Faulk, but i really don't like the idea of trading Murphy. Ya he didn't start very well but I think he has been much better and looks like he has only improved throughout the year. I also think another team is gonna offer more for Faulk anyway. But the 2nd line would be great and most of JVR's goals this year have been deflections or just outside the crease so him just playing how anismov did between kane and panarin would be great. And i think he would be able to help drive the play more. Really hope the hawks get him.

The issue with Murphy is his cap hit is too high for how he is producing. If he was $2.5M a year, I would take him all day, but at $3.8M he isn't worth it and Faulk is a much better player at $1M more. Adding Hickey and Faulk at the cost of losing Murphy and Gustaffson is a huge improvement on D. I also think this is more then fair with Carolina. Think of it this way; Faulk for Anismov, Highmore and a 1st round pick...that is really good IMO for a solid C they need, a good prospective forward and 1st rounder in a deep draft. Then for us to take Darling which is absolute fail for Carolina, they get a solid 4th position D guy in Murphy but have to eat his contract and a Gus but we have to eat the bulk of a bad contract with Darling hoping we find the magic with Darls again. That said, can swap Gus for Rutta if Carolina wanted a little more.

JVR is a huge upgrade for the Hawks and playing the opposite of Kane next year would be a big opportunity for both players.

As a Hawks Fan, I like what you're doing. There are a ton or other reasons why CAR would like this trade...albeit lesser...like Faulk's $6M salary but sub $5M cap hit...tons of NHL ready defensive prospects. BUT I'm not confident at all that Highmore will get much in a trade. Maybe after next year...if he performs, but he was undrafted and signed so even if he plays well...he'll need to do it in the NHL for anything significant in return. Also, I don't see CAR retaining money on Darling...especially if they're trading Faulk. If I were bowman I'd seriously consider inserting Hossa somehow into this deal because he really isn't owed much money...in fact...if they did a hossa kruger swap 1 for 1...I'm sure bowman would be ok. But again. I like what you doing here!

I like the Carolina trade but NO MORE Patrick Sharp .. he's done

The Hawks are giving up way too much for Faulk and Darling..... Darling could possibly be considered a cap dump..

Maybe Anisimov & Gustafsson for Faulk, Darling & Kruger.