Franson. PIT trade

I know you post a lot on here and I do think you're a knowledgeable fan. As a Hawks fan I don't want this AT ALL! Cole's fine on the bottom pair, but you're still trading a proven #2C for a bottom pair Dman. AA's contract is far from a hindrance. I get that he's not a point machine, but that's hasn't been his job. In fact...his job was be the only defensive forward on a line with two offensive juggernauts. Maybe we'll see a different story now with Panarin gone, but I don't even want him to change his style of play. Try another shooter opposite Kane. I know we can't straight up replace Panarin, but it's better to have two lines that can score over just one. If we're talking about overpayment...Franson's $2M is overpayment. That may be what he wants, but he stinks!

I'd rather have stronger center depth than jagr on the right. AA, Schmaltz, Kero. Hayden played center for Yale, but hasn't really sniffed the position in the NHL.

Agree with most of this. He is knowledgeable, Cole isn't great, AA's contract is fine, and he does a good job in the role he is given. AA isn't a GREAT #2C but he does exactly what the Hawks need and he's the only true center Kane has had in the last 6-7 years.

I don't think 2M is that much of an overpayment for Franson. He has played on mediocre to bad teams most of his career while still putting up decent production and possession numbers. He will be great for the 3rd RHD spot on the Hawks.

Hayden could get a shot at center this season. Remember that he only played like 13 games for the Hawks last year and some of it was next to Toews. The Hawks pretty much had their centers last year in Toews, AA, Kruger, & Kero with the option of Schmaltz.

I still like the Panarin-Saad trade in that I believe Saad is a overall a more valuable player to the Hawks organization. Kane has played well no matter who was on his opposite wing. In fact the last year the Saad-Toews line was together Kane was having a career year with Richards and Sharp before his injury. I would have to say that AA is better than Richards was at 35 while Sharp obviously won't be what he was at 33.
I'm hoping Tyler Motte doesn't develop into what I think he is going to be. I have a feeling that unless Forsberg is a great backup for Chi CBJ may come out of that trade a winner because of Motte.

Great Analysis. I agree with the point on Motte/Anton. I do think Motte will be a quality 3rd liner when he's fully developed because he's got the grit and blocks shots like crazy for a forward. Also clearly some scoring ability in college which will show flashes from time to time @ the NHL level. I think the side pieces to this trade are really about two players @ similar talent levels not getting a chance. Motte probably wasn't going to crack the line-up this year for the Hawks and neither Forsberg even though he's pretty darn good in his own right. As of today I trust they made the right move with the (2) side pieces as well because heck the last two backups (Darling/Crawford) have worked out pretty good. Hopefully Wouters develops into the following backup goalie 4 years from now. Berube's just the if all else fails.