There’s a less than 0% chance AM34 signs somewhere to play on a 2nd line let alone Chicago’s 2nd line

The lines are arbitrary the one thing that is certain is he will be on PP1 with Bedard

Don't think he'll sign more than 5-years with anyone. If he's testing FA, he should be able to get the terms that he wants since he'll likely still have the Leafs as a fall back who would be desperate to sign him.

7 years at 14 mil per sounds much tastier than 5 IMO. But it doesn't matter its the fact the the Hawks are one of the few teams in the league that can give him whatever AAV he wants. The Leafs are the only team that can give him an 8th year.

Matthews doesn't want 8-years in the first place, it seems that he wants to sign a 7/8 year deal when he's 31.

Hawks definitely have an advantage in terms of being able to give any AAV and also in terms of lifestyle, he'll know that he'll like Chicago since Toronto is similar. There could be other teams like Vegas or TB that could offer him a better opportunity to win if they can make the space.

Is there a report out that says what term he wants or doesnt?

There's been reports that he wants a shorter term, speculation was 3-5. More recently, there was a report that he's willing to sign for 13.5M so the hold up seems to be about term. Latest rumor is that Matthews wants 13.5Mx5 and the Leafs want 13.5Mx8. Analysts are speculating that Matthews wants his career earnings to reach 200M, so only way of doing that realistically is signing a long term deal when the cap is significantly up.

I don't think a short term deal would be an issue for the Hawks as long as Bedard isn't expecting the same once he is off his ELC.