This is terrible for us, we don’t “need cap”, and even if we did, we would just buyout Smith.

You need resign Strome and Lehner this summer ?

Doubt Montreal is interested in that trade. Gustafsson is on pace for 26 points this season and most likely won't ever be anything better than a #4 guy.

Buy low

I wouldn't call this trade buying low. Gus has one great season and is now playing Meh, it's not like he's 22 or 23 and is playing bad, he's 27.

Cap goes up by 2mil

Crawford comes off the books 6mil

- 1-2 mil to resign Lehner

Strome gets 4 AAV bridge deal

We have plenty to work with.

Cap goes up by 2mil ------> dont count on it i hear that every single year as the players get pissed about their pays being held ransom in Escrow topping their priority list.

Crawford comes off the books 6mil --------------------> his stat's are a stone throws from Lehners and he'll likely sign for 2m on a 2 year deal to train a replacement .

- 1-2 mil to resign Lehner ---------> 4 teams in 3 years including 3 one year deals says anyone who thinks Lehners got staying power shouldnt hold their breathe for fear of death.

Strome gets 4 AAV bridge deal -----------------> for sure Strome like Trouba a few years back is not arbitration eligible and he'll either sign or sit

We have plenty to work with. -----------------------------> agreed cap isnt your issue. not sure what is to be honest but if i was to guess i'd say depth scoring

habs don't need a pure offensive d. they need a legit top 4 D who can score and defened. gus doesn't fit the bill. and it was 1 good season. i don't see him repeating it. plus he needs a contract

Hawks decline I'm afraid.

Okay, couple of thoughts.

First, I'd take this trade. Smith off the books and getting rid of Gus while his value is continuing to go down, for a third round pick? Yup, that's fine.

Secondly, flip side of the argument is that Lehner isn't gonna resign in Chicago. Or at least that's how I feel. Why would he want to? The team is stuck in neutral, mainly going backwards, and his defense consistently leaves him out to dry night in and night out. I'd rather trade him at the deadline and get a great return. Also, this isn't gonna be anywhere near cup contention for years to come. Why would Lehner waste his time? Especially when many other teams could afford him and provide a better team behind him.

Thirdly, fire Colliton, fire Bowman, fire Mark Kelley, fire the whole lot of em and hit reset. This team has absolutely zero passion and has no business even being discussed in some positive manner. We need better, smarter people in change. Make no mistake about it though, the players need to be held accountable as well. There isn't a single player in this team (save for maybe Kane and Debrincat) that have any business being on this team.

Surely the Blackhawks could get two draft picks with these two players. A 3rd is not enough.