cap space won't be as big of an issue as people think. Maatta wouldn't be hard to trade, Shultz could be a potential trade, JJ could maybe be moved if the pens give up some good pieces, Pearson could be a trade target. JR will make some moves about the cap

You're not wrong. They'll be closer to a mill over with the 13th forward. Next year there could be a chance they look to move Schultz for a more cost effective option if they don't see resigning him instead of moving Maatta. The season after its likely that they push Johnson in the expansion draft.

If you're trying to say it's because of the most recent trade then you're wrong. The cap swap was equal.

Brassard 3 mil
Sheahan 2.1 mil

Bjugstad 4.1 mil
McCann 1.2 mil

2.5M cap floor increase and flipping Maatta they have enough space for it.

This is next year, you dingus. Read the damn title.

Brassard 3 mil
Sheahan 2.1 mil

Bjugstad 4.1 mil
McCann 1.2 mil[/quote]



No it is for next year. Read title. Brassard would have been a UFA, freeing up 3 million.

True i guess. I really hope we trade bjugstad. McCann is better than him. And he's younger and he's way cheaper.

Take it from a Hawks fan and a lesson from years ago. Patrick Sharp and Stephen John for Trevor Daley and ryan garbutt. When you're at the ceiling and everyone knows it...you're not getting market returns. So can you trade Maatta...yeah, but dont expect much back.

I'd honestly rather give up more picks and Jarry for someone to take Johnson (Rutherford likely disagrees). Maatta is a net positive and worth his contract.