I'm not necessarily sure how you made the Blackhawks that bad. But that's excruciatingly bad.

how so? Roszival was there last year, Zidlicky, Nash and Stalberg are the only additions- all on cheap contracts, all capable NHLers who wont command big money. I suppose you expect them to sign Campbell at the league minimum and maybe Brouwer too? Chicago is in a bad spot. moving Shaw isnt going to be enough. I didnt make them bad (they were still pretty damn good last year!) they just dont have many cheap over performing players anymore (other than Panarin).

your lack of any real retort reeks of trollness.

Chicago is going to lose Panarin. There really is only one way out of it and that is a trade of either, Panarin, Keith, Seabrook, or Kane. 10.5 mil is too much to wrap up in one player. Math doesn't make sense.

Swap Toews for a cheaper mid-twenties center and pray Hossa retires. Chicago just drafted DeBrincat and he'll probably end up being like a poor man's Gaudreau or like the other second round Blackhawks steals not to mention there are probably other prospects close to earning pro time. Toews is kind of overrated offensively and shouldn't have been signed to such a large deal. Kane literally got Chicago to the playoffs by himself (Panarin's good but Kane definitely inflated his stats). I understand Toews is a great hockey player but unless he putting up at least +70 pts he's not worth 10.5 million.

First of all, the Hawks will still be taking a big hit if Hossa retires before his contract ends, so that does nothing for us. Trading Toews just will not happen. He is the last guy that would be traded, yes, even before Kane. Panarin won't be going anywhere assuming he can produce like he did last year. They will make it work, even if that means moving Kruger or Anisimov.