I definitely would NOT make that trade if I were CHI. Here's a list of UFA Dmen next summer where the Hawks lose zero assets when they sign. Lindholm, Jones, Rielly, Pullock, Nurse, Parayko, Ekholm, Klingberg, plus more.

Dont like either of those trades. Feels like big overpays for both.

It's a valid point to wait it out one more year then attempt to sign one of those UFAs, however, I feel like the Jones has the most upside out of all those names and if we don't trade for him now someone else will and I think that the only reason a deal has not been struck yet is that it will come post-expansion draft and the team that trades for him will want an extension in place prior to committing to terms.

As for Stamkos its a questionable deal however a player with his talent and upside if healthy he can fill that "Sharp" type role for us once again and can be dynamic with Toews.

I agree with you that Jones is indeed a really good Dman. I just wouldn't be sending away major assets when there are a lot of other options that IMO are pretty close. I would trade D Strome, Zadorov, and Kurashev. Give CBJ some guys that are cost controlled. I personally believe that's a big factor. Seth Jones single biggest reason for leaving (from what I've read) is that UFAs don't want to go to Columbus. They can't attract quality players. Getting cost controlled guys is a big. I honestly don't think a 4th 1st rounder is on CBJ's must have list. This draft wasn't ever supposed to be the highest quality draft. Now insert the COVID factor of guys not playing regularly...CBJ could easily miss on all 4 guys.

Without a doubt, CBJ biggest issue is players never resign there and free-agent appeal could be the downfall of that franchise. They have a fan base and talented people at the help but year after year players avoid signing there. That said the Hawks package to land Jones without overpaying is slim. Boquist is a bust IMO and I have no problem trading him. Zadorov is an RFA and he wants big $ and some years if CBJ trades for him they have the leverage. I was also thinking of putting Elvis in this deal somehow but the more I think about it the more I'm a fan of keeping our goalie costs low and spending more on D. Plus Nalimov is probably with the big club in the next 2 seasons.

I agree, that the Hawks would likely have to overpay, but that's why I think they should stay away. Even if we think Boqvist is a bust (I don't) it doesn't mean we should overpay. I don't see Nalimov coming back to the NHL. He's already signed in the KHL for next year. We've moved on to Arvid Soderblom. It seems mutual to separate.