I think I understand the sentiment - bring in two quality pieces for one last kick at the can with Kane and Toews - but I can't help but wonder how much losing out on a McTavish or Sillinger plus the quality of player available to the Blackhawks in the 2022 draft sets back the overall Chicago rebuild. All respect due to Reichel, he's not quite at their calibre and the difference between a pick in the 8-12 range is of vastly superior quality to one beyond pick #17.

Currently, there are a plethora of quality RHD at the upper end of the 2022 draft. Can't imagine the combination of both a long-term top-six winger and top-pairing RHD are worth less to the organization than the old core getting mauled by the Avalanche in the first or second round.

Value's there but philosophy dictates a pass. A substantial upgrade over Subban in net to tandem with Lankinen would make more immediate sense for the trade but I still think it's the wrong move.

I don't understand your reference to the 2022 draft. Are you thinking of the original formulation by the Chicago fan, which included a 2022 second? I've removed that.

No, I'm referring to the consequences to going for the playoffs and the impact it may have on their draft selection.

Finishing in a playoff spot guarantees no less than the #17 pick in 2022. Staying the course puts them into the lottery conversation. Given their needs and player availability at that half of the draft, there's more at stake here than the Hawks' 2021 pick. Their losing out on either McTavish/Sillinger now and missing out on a premier defender next year.

While your points raised are strong, particularly the Goalie issue (can be resolved in FA or trade with Cap Space). I think we have a pressing need for a top LD. Getting someone like Lindholm this season I don't think makes us a playoff in 2022 (still allows us to get a good pick) though as the kids develop moving forward from 2022 we should be looking to achieve playoff hockey. In an ideal world, we would look for a work about way to not include the 2021 first but I think Reichel could represent strong value based on his performance against Men in the DEL the past 2 years. Is he a Stutzle or Draisaitl, absolutely not but he could be serviceable. Who knows what Suter/Kurashev/Borgstrom will turn out also. I would pass on a Sillinger/McTavish for a top LD and have faith in whats in the system if it were up to me.

I think the idea of bringing in such a defenceman only makes sense if there's term involved. As it stands, the Hawks don't have that defender in their system regardless of handedness. They have a plethora of the middle pieces. I still stand by my statement that passing up on a key piece now and later isn't worth a Lindholm rental. Now if there were 3 or 4 years on the deal or Lindholm was an RFA as opposed to a UFA, I think there's merit here but long term it's only detrimental.

I agree Term would be fundamental to the deal. This could be achieved by putting the right trade package together and having the agreement as part of the deal.

I still don't think Lindholm is the right candidate. 28 by the conclusion of next season and you're only looking at 3-4 really good years then 1-2 decent years before Father Time takes another name. I think you'd want a name currently no older than 25 years old. Granted, this is a very slim and incredibly expensive market to be in, but it's the superior option: such a player has the immediate quality to contribute to wins now during Kane and Toews' final hurrah without impeding the next generation of Blackhawks' ability to contend for a Stanley Cup.

Note that I don't necessarily think such a defender needs to be a lefty. A high-end RHD would be just as effective. Test the waters on Hamilton and keep your picks or see what Columbus wants for Jones. A Heiskanen offersheet looks mighty interesting.

Granted, this purely stems from an overarching conflict in philosophy: I don't think any such move is the right move for the Blackhawks' current setup. I'm purely of the mindset that management owes neither man a thing: they're three-time winners and have cash to burn in their bank vaults. Ultimately, the best business decision is to make moves to sustain that kind of winning as opposed to sporadic attempts to earn a round or two of playoff revenue. If Kane and Toews need to be traded to have one last kick at the can before retiring as Blackhawks, so be it.

Valid point on Lindholm. The reasoning for Lindholm is he is probably the least expensive. My personal preference would be Werenski as a LD. Hamilton as high end as he is would be a great addition to any franchise however his skillset is his offensive output as a defensemen. I think we need more balance as our main Defensive prospects appear to be the offensive type and a more two way defence man would be my preference, hence the werenski reference. I think Kalynuk appears a two way defenseman but I also like Will Butcher and I think he needs a change too. Are either of these guys top line LD? Time will tell..... Heiskanen would be a delight however a division rival trade appears out of the question and difficult to think the Stars would blow it up and move him.

I struggle to see a Kane and Toews Trade at their ages. What I mean by that is, at 32 respectively another franchise would need to give up something considerable in value and essentially trade away younger assets whilst the likely draft capital means they are late first round selections.