Quoting: DarcyTucker
Zaitsev is absolutely of incidence for the Hawks. They'd want a 1st added just to take him, come on.
"
no incidence" was maybe not the right way to put it so I'll re-explain
Hawks are not going to compete in the near future, they need a full rebuild
They would be swapping a good defensive D-man for an overpaid 3rd pairing D-man who's been played above his level for way too long
Murphy is owed 17.6 M$ for 4 years, Zaitsev is only owed 7 M$ for 2 years
Yes they get worse but they save 10.6 M$ in financial engagement. Zaitsev's AAV will actually be helpful next season to reach the cap floor
For getting worse (which they might actually want), they are being compensated as follows :
Järventie, Roby : early 2nd in 2020 (33rd OA), did well in men's leagues as a teenager, dominated the last WJC, tantalizing skillset, worth a late 1st at the very least (Sens wouldn't trade him for that)
2024 2nd round pick (WSH)
2023 2nd round pick (OTT)
2025 3rd round pick (OTT)
They should absolutely RUN with that. It's a much better package than a late 1st and a 2nd for example