Edited Jan. 9, 2019 at 1:06 p.m.
Kurashev won't sign for less then the $925K maximum ELC. He's earned that right especially after the performance at the WJC.
Sam Bennett is definitely not a 2C at this point in his career and into his 3rd season now isn't showing he is anything more then a 3C. I'm okay moving Perlini and Hillman for him, but doubt Calgary agrees to that. Would likely take Perlini and Forsling. Move Strome to the 2nd line and Benett to the 3rd line...I like that more then Strome and AA so good call there.
No way should the Hawks retain anything more then $500K on Anisimov. Anisimov is the 49th highest paid center in the league, making him a bottom paid 2C or high paid 3C in the league. That is not an unfair contract given his play. $4M versus $4.5M makes his contract even more fair. At $3M, almost every team would want him which makes him a steal and a bad trade for the Hawks. I suggested AA and Forsling for a 2nd rounder and several Islanders fans jumped on it meaning that was likely too much. Retain $500K and get a 2nd back, maybe throw in Hillman...that's a fair deal IMO.
Kahun is not a very good 1st liner. This is one of the Hawks biggest holes this season. Kahun would make a very good 3rd line winger. Either get a real 1st line winger (Skinner, Stone, etc.) or swap Debrincat with Kahun. The issue with Debrincat on the 1st line is his size and he tends to get pushed around by much bigger opponents on the first line that he can't handily outskate like he does on the 3rd line. Kahun, Bennet, Debrinat is a very solid 3rd line. Kurashev is unproven, and he's a center. How about Kahun - Kurashev - Debrincat? That's another very solid 3rd line. At which point Bennett is not needed.
That leaves the 1st line RW slot still open. Can the Hawks draft Kappo? If they can, he can slot right into the 1st line.
No way should Murphy be a scratch. He has been hands down, the best defender for the hawks.
Your biggest mistake is Delia should be in net. In his 5 games he's played this year, he has the best save % in the league. Namilov is likely a bust.
Going to armchair a team...let me know what you think.