Idk they already have several D.

Dahlstrom isn't a top4 D. And what the heck is this top9, especially that 3rd. Hughes is C and Gusev LW; both will play in the top6 over Zajac and Bratt/Simmonds.
Don't leave Smith as a scratch.

D will prob be (assuming no trades)
Butcher-Subban
Greene-Severson
Smith/Vatanen-Carrick/Vatanen
Mueller

I was initially skeptical but this actually does make some sense.

I think that Boqvist is more likely to "replace" Gustafsson as he's looking to be an offensively-minded d

Interesting trade. Does Jersey value Murphy at 3.875 for three more years after this year or do they prefer the cap space? Think the Hawks like the trade cause they might feel they have replacements at RHD for Murphy/Vatanen.

I think you could get much better value for that, even if Vatanen would be a rental.

I think Dahlstrom could play a limited top 4 role, I was just trying to balance out Severson with someone who is more defensively responsible. Also I cannot see Butcher playing top pairing, as he struggled mightly this year when he had to be played more and in more defensive situations than as a rookie.

As for the top 9 the Bratt/ Zajac/ Palmieri line I had pegged as a more defensive/ shutdown line along with the 4th. Since Zajac and Bratt have played well before on the PK.

I know the hype around Hughes is high but I would like to see him eased into being an NHLer at first. Playing him a LW with Zacha at center would allow him to adjust to the NHL at an easier position. If Hughes plays lights out right away the Devils could easly switch to Center and Zacha to LW. I just put Gusev at RW since his right-handed and that would be the only spot in the top 9 that I created. Lastly Hughes/ Gusev are undersized and new to the NHL so, in my mind, either Simmonds or Zacha should play with them to add size to their line.

If this trade was to happen it would most likely push Butcher out of the lineup and he would be traded to make way for Smith. But until Smith makes the roster and plays well I cannot see moving Butcher.

I think from the vantage point of Chicago if they just wanted to clear a roster spot in anticipation of Boqvist, this does make a lot of sense and I’d be ok with it.

@FireShero your username doesn't work

The cap hit is high for what Murphy brings, but it would solidify the RH side for the next 3 year: Subban 3 years left, Severson 4 years left, and Murphy 3 years; and bring some physicality to the Devils D-core. Plus Hughes/ Smith won't need a new contract till after Murphys expires.

Yep, karma in action. Turned back into a pissy 12 year old for 20 minutes, after Shero didn't do exactly what I wanted him to do, and changed my name to "FireShero" (capitalized for effect). Now I get to live with that for a year.

As a hawks fan I like this deal. Helps us next offseason and gives us some flexibility to move gus at the TDL and still have a pp qb if boqvist isnt ready until october 2020