Basic trade

Definitely not getting that much for that package. More like a 4th for both.

Yeah a 20 goal 40 point, big bodied, 3rd line center that can play all situations at a completely reasonable AAV. Name me 2 players that are similar and have a lower cap hit AND actual salary than Anisimov. You can’t.

First of all, yes I can. Danault, Jenner, Eakin, and Kadri, just to name a few. All are younger, have lower cap hits, and are better at faceoffs. Second of all, while his AAV is reasonable (which is arguable, but just for this I'll say it is), it is for two more years, and many teams need to sign guys next year (including us) so they can't take his cap on. I'm a Hawks fan, but a realistic one, and Anisimov isn't that valuable an asset. If he was, he would be long gone.

Every single one of those guys makes more in salary than Anisimov in the last 2 years of this contract. In fact even Danault who is signed at an AAV of almost 1.5M less makes more in salary than Anisimov.

And lets take a look at what one of those players was just trade for...
Nazim Kadri + 3rd for Tyson Barrie (50% retained) AND Alexander Kerfoot.
lol
Granted I can recognize Kardi is a better overall player than Anisimov. I will not dispute that, but to further put this into context, this was after only a 16 goal, 44 point year from Kadri who played on a great Leafs team. He plays no PK, and plays more PP time. In fact Anisimov had more even strength points that Kardi last year.

Saying Anisimov is worth only a 4th isn't exactly realistic.

Salary almost means nothing to a big market team like the Hawks, only cap hit. We have the money to pay them, we just want them to produce. Also, not only are all of the players I listed overall better than Anisimov, they are also all under 30. They can be major players for any team who has them for years to come. Anisimov is getting towards the end of his career, with declining numbers and a big cap hit. If he was worth more than a 4th by himself, he would easily be gone already.