If CHI ends up sucking next years there could be a lot of teams interested (with retention)... EDM, CGY, NSH, ARI, NYI...

CHI should absolutelY trade him.

Hard agree. I think if we are in a playoff position we keep him for the run but I am not sure we would be able to sign him to a long term contract he would be looking for unless he was willing to take a hometown discount. If we are lottery team, trade him and retain as much as we can so we can recoup some futures. Kinda stinks to see a fan favorite likely have to leave, but we have a bright future that using him to add to would be a chance not to pass up

It's an interesting question, with a flat cap he would definitely need to take a discount to stay in Chicago, something he was unwilling to do the first time he was here.

I would prefer to trade him at this upcoming deadline if we aren't very good, but he is a good piece to extend if it's for the right price.

As Pittsburgh, I offer him $3Mx3 when he UFAs to come play for his home town team and get his 35-40 points.

He could be traded prior to the 2020-21 season for cap reasons. I think they will be able to hold onto him though. Other players will be moved before him. If the hawks are not in the 2021 playoffs, he will 100% be traded at the deadline. If an extension is not guaranteed with that trade and they want to bring him back for the 2021-22 season, I think he will sign for roughly $4.5.

Saad is a interesting winger that often fans don't understand how to value because players like him aren't just about points. He's a two way guy, has good breakaway speed, plays great defense, plays on the PK and PP, strong on the puck with good possession numbers, strong with takeways, and was on pace for 30 goals this season. To say he is not worth $6M is at worst debatable and at best wrong. As far as top 6 2 way wingers go, he's easily top 20 in the league and maybe even sneaking into top 10. Guys like him don't grow on trees. As player comparisons go, Saad is a mini Hossa or Kappanen is a mini Saad.

If Hawks are out of the playoffs, they attempt to trade him at the deadline. They may also extend him this fall which Stan has been known to do. The bigger consideration is when you start looking at the expansion draft next summer and I think it boils down to whether the Hawks plan to protect Nylander or Saad and that will depend on how both play going into the allstar break and subsequently who's available at the TDL potentially.

Saad had 1 down season in 17/18, but other then that has been a very good and consistent player. He will always be attached to Panarin and unfairly compared to him, but nonetheless, Saad is a very good player in his own right.

We re-evaluate at the TDL. If we are a lottery team he is moved at 50% retention for futures. If we are in the playoffs we keep him but then he walks after the playoffs unless he wants to take a discount.

Seattle Protection List:
F: Toews, Kane, Debrincat, Strome, Nylander, Saad, Kampf/Cagulla
D: Kieth, Seabrook, Murphy
G: Crow
Exempt: Dach, Kubalik, Boqvist, Mitchell, Beaudan, Carlson (all will have played in 2 seasons or fewer following the 2020-2021 season)

Am i missing something here? We shouldn't have to choose between protecting Saad or Nylander. We really shouldn't be losing much to Seattle. Their best options are dehaan/matta (whoever isn't traded this summer), kampf/Cagulla (whoever isn't protected), or Delia. Obviously trades will affect this, but as the roster sits right now we are in a good spot with the Seattle situation.

Is Kubalik protected though if he's not on a ELC or first contract? I didn't think because of it being his 2nd contract plus age that he is exempt. Also, I'm guessing the Hawks protect Delia if he plays well.

Everything i've seen says players are exempt if they have played two or fewer seasons. In that case Kubalik is protected. In terms of protecting goalies, I don't think it really matters that much. Seattle can get better than a 36-year-old crow or 26-year-old Delia