Jokiharju has been the best defensemen for the Blackhawks this year. No way he is playing on the 3rd pairing with Gustafsson who has actually been pretty solid analytically. I think Crawford or Seabrook (with a package) will be moved to get rid of that contract and the Hawks may have to take a short-term contract back that is bad (an Eriksson or Ryan type contract). I want to see Forsling get more ice time as well.

Duchene will get more than $7.5 too but that figure is not too bad.

Panarin would be playing with Toews and Kane, Debrincat would be playing on the second line, Saad third, and Beaudin would probably have to wait one more year until he makes his NHL debut or end up being a 7th defenseman.

Panarin/Duchene/Kane would be one of the best lines in the league. Saad came back for chemistry with Toews. DeBrincat and Strome are great friends who played and lived with each other when they were both in the OHL with the Erie Otters. Bring Beaudin could get him better experience on the third line with a 3-time cup winner.