I would do it

All day long. I don't even need the pick.

My sources say this is over payment.

Mickey, why would the Hawks do this? How many NHL dmen do you want? Half of Risto is wasted if Gus stays too.

Chicago says no way. Boqvist is 1 season away and Mitchell is right there with him or 2 seasons away. No use for Risto especially when we could use another top 6 winger not dump one.

As many as possible... plus I think there is a risk that Gus might either command more than a Risto type contract after this year or he might not be able to repeat his performance from a year ago. Risto is a solid RD. Also in the event that compliance buyouts are looming saying adios to Seabs would make this trade even more worth it. Also, let's not forget that the expansion draft is right around the corner as well. You can never have too many talented D or Centers on a team.

I 100% agree about Gus. I also in theory tend to agree that NHL RHD are worth gold, but this is an extreme example.
A.) Compliance buyouts aren't a guarantee.
B.) Expansion is a risk if we trade for Risto vs opportunity. Saad is a UFA where Risto would be taken and lost. I believe Saad being a UFA would deter the Kraken (yes that's the name I want) from taking him. They'd only have so many days to try to sign him before he just explores free agency. Being an expansion team/draft doesn't take away any of your rights as a player. The players union wouldn't allow it. So, If you're going to trade Saad...maybe not for someone that will be taken for nothing?
C.) This is a situation where you have too many Dmen that are NHL ready. It's not likely, but possible that it might even deter Ian Mitchell from signing. We don't need Boqvist in Rockford for multiple years. We'd actually like him to take over the PP when he comes up. No?
D.) The Hawks want solid forward depth and veteran forward depth to help their young forwards. You have Dach making this team. Kubliak to his left isn't' an ideal piece. Dach needs players like Shaw (which you have) and Saad to help him become an NHL professional.

I'm ok with a Risto trade in general, but it would have to be a BLOCKBUSTER which includes Gus (PP Dman in return) and Saad (part of the trade here and often rumored being traded) and an NHL ready A/A- prospect like Aleksi Saarela for Risto and Cozens coming back....which would never happen, but I just see a Saad Risto transaction hurting more than helping the future of this team. Just me though.

Maybe. My biggest concern is that we'd have the same problems with Risto that Buffalo is having: He isn't a top pairing guy who will grind out 25 minutes a night. Maybe if he were on the 2nd pair I'd be more open to it, but I think I'd rather stick with Gus, who basically plays the same role. His defense is below average but he isn't a complete pylon