Definitely not a 1st AND Necas in the same deal lol

I could see it. CAR is getting a legit goalie (the only thing they are missing to be a legit Cup threat), a top 6 player, AND getting rid of Reimer who has 1 more year on his deal. A late 1st and a top 6 prospect sounds about right.

They are getting Saad at 4mil AAV (2 years) and Lehner (with possible extension idk). I figure Lehner is worth a first (Carolina has 2), or a top prospect on his own. Combine that with Saad at reduced money and all the cap we take back I think it’s plausible.

This isn't far off but if anything is wrong it would be not getting enough back.

Lehner is worth a 1st and a A/B prospect alone. Look at what Hartman or Evander Kane pulled in as UFA rentals in TDL deals.

Saad is easily worth a 2nd and 3rd and with retaining salary definitely a lat 1st round pick. Again, look at historically what teams have given up at the TDL.

Again, not far off but if anything this trade favors Carolina.

If the Hawks are making a push for a playoff spot, then Lehner won’t be going anywhere. It will be a hard call, and probably put pressure to get him signed. Otherwise, it would be hard for Waddell to pass up.

If the trade favors Chicago I’m gonna get yelled at though.

If we're going to retain on Saad....better be worth it! Also, Gus's last game was the best of the year. I know he didn't get a point, but he was playing really well. It'll come. I'm hopeful that his cap hit being $1.2M and honestly even being able to swap a guy like Rutta who's played all of 2 games for TBL despite their back end history, should be a great thing. Hopefully they can get one of their 1st rounders.

gustafsson is a complete mystery to me. ive never seen a dman put up 60 pts before and still be considered just trash

Wait, are we hawks fans still under the impression we’re a playoff team or even pushing for that? Based on my thoughts on that question, trade Lehner and pray he loved playing here enough to come back.

Surely any team giving up a 1st to acquire Lehner, would in principle, have him signed to an extension. The one bright spot with the Hawks to date has been goaltending. Without it you can’t win. Lehner ( & Crow) have given the Hawks the chance to win every game. Remove this factor, and their defensive liabilities loom larger.

I have stated I think the defence has gotten better. I still think that. But the team MUST reduce the shots on net.

Honestly, I think our defense being better is kind of subjective. Do they seem stronger based on keeping goals off the board? Kinda, yes. Have they reduced shots? Ready for this stat? Between 2013-2018 under Q, in 240+ games the hawks allowed 45 shots or more in a game just five times. In 80+ games under Colliton: they already hit 5.

Point I’m trying to make is that I don’t view defensive strength perhaps in the same way as others. Or rather, I don’t see the tools required for success as the same. People think strength and shot blocking is what we got and needed on defense. In my mind, though, I believe the team needs their defense to be faster and be able to pass and carry the puck. In essence, team puck possession can lead to better team defense. That’s what I believe the team needs. Luckily, I think they’re only two years or so away from that. We just need to ditch seabs, maatta, Keith, and Gus. I know the latter two are actually decent, but Keith is just aging too much and Gus is a one trick pony.

I am stating my opinion based on the Hawks defensive play last year, and the year before. Can really go back to losing to Nashville in first round in 2017. My observations, the team gave up too many odd man rushes, and did not defend the passing lanes effectively low in their zone.

Yes, I am in agreement that for the team to get better and competitive, they need puck possession and puck management to get much better. My concern defensively is surrendering so many shot. Without quality goaltending, this team would be in a darker place.

What I like about the off season moves on defence, the players acquired are young, cap friendly and hold no movement clauses. If it appears a player doesn’t fit, then Bowman will make another move. I think this team has more depth on D than they did last year.

In the last couple of games, it appears J.C has loosened the reins, and allowed his offensive players to be more creative with the puck. This team has scored more goals. I have said it before, if the team scored like they did last season, they would have more W’s.

My observation about the Hawks play, which they must work on #1 win loose pucks races ... they are getting beat all the time. This also extends to winning board battles too, #2 CLEARING THE PUCK OUT OF THEIR END. When the Hawks are in their zone for extended period it has most likely resulted in their failure to clear the puck out.

Unless Chicago is fighting for a play off spot at the deadline, then I expect Gus will be moved. Since being a healthy scratch, he has played better on both sides on the puck. His first game back (I think against the Canucks) he was stellar on defence. Hopefully he will have more games like that and his stock will rise.