Easy decline for Chicago.

Really though? They just signed two guys worth the minimum to 4 mil deal and took on a contract in Bailey just to buy him out. I am pretty sure this would go through no problem.

Bailey had one year left and with the buyout, the Hawks bought a 2nd round pick for 3.7 million dollars. Schmidt has 2 years left so not a realistic buyout option unless the plan is to keep him a year and then consider a buyout). The conversation would have to start at a 2nd and not a late 3rd/4th which is the net of the picks proposed.

The 4 million dollar deals for Foligno and Perry are mostly for leadership as they have a long history of that in the league while Schmidt really is not that.

Foligno and Perry were brought in for their leadership, grit and ability to provide depth scoring to a forward group that was weak in those areas last season. The buyout of Bailey was most likely at his request. Schmidt has two years left at a higher cap hit than any of these guys. How do you figure upgrading a 5th to a 3rd is anywhere near enough? Add to that the Hawks have 4 vet D men already under contract for next season. Adding a 5th means less opportunity for one of the young guys from Rockford.

Those deals got them to the cap floor so there's zero need to take on other team's junk.

Philly declines