will strome want more ,i dont know

No but Kubalik probably will, and 21 people on the roster isnt ideal. I would say we probably wont need a buyout, but we definitely will end up trading 1 of Maatta or De Haan

Agreed I think Maatta gets moved. Hawks haven't seen enough of De Haan because of his injury, but he seems more rounded. Maatta isn't anything special.

strome isnt taking 3.5 thats just silly. He can point to Kerfoot (3.5x3) coming off 43 and 42pt seasons and say he wants significantly more based on 57pts last year and a 50+pt pace this year.

4.5-5 per

Kubalik as well. why would he take 3.25 coming off a 30g in 68 game season? The only reasonable deal here is crawford if he gives a hometown discount. Hawks need to clear 3-4 at min

I think there are 2 scenarios here. They think Maatta improved enough towards the end of the season that he can be a reliable 2nd pairing guy, which is debatable, that De Haan with his higher cap hit becomes expendable and they toss Kalynuk or Carlsson on the bottom pair. The other scenario is that De Haan played well enough in his time at the beginning of the season that he can reliably eat more minutes and take enough of the load off Keith that he is not expendable, therefore, Maatta is. One probably goes this offseason, another next offseason. I am leaning toward the 2nd scenario but I do think Maatta showed definite improvement in his own season and that he is still a good puck moving defenseman in the offensive zone, so I think either option works as long as its a good trade.

But he could also see the writing on the wall with Dach inevitably becoming the 2c if Strome will cost too much money and want to stay in Chicago and not move to a new team again, especially with Debrincat in town. I agree, and I usually sign Strome to a 2x4M, but I can see a scenario in which he takes less.

I can see either scenario, I guess Maatta does have more of a chance than I thought because he's younger too. I don't know, it'll be interesting to see what direction this team goes in.

Tbf Strome doesn't have arbitration rights, so comparisons to other players isn't going to be as strict - the Hawks have all the power unless Strome wants to sit the season out. Bowman just needs to hold out if need be, like the Lightning have done for a few guys now. I mean, if Kucherov will take a $4.7x3 year deal after a two 65+ seasons, then the Hawks can press Strome into taking a lower bridge deal, esp since he's only got a about a season and ahlf worth of games played at higher production.

Kubalik is arbitration eligible but his lack of games played is going to hurt his argument. Great production but it's not been proven it's consistent.

Idk about exact amounts (maybe closer to 4 each) or years but a short bridge seems beneficial to for both team and players imo - ride out the flat cap years, keep producing with the team they know works, and then max out their next contract when there's going to be more money available. Players who unfortunately had to sign long term close to the lockout did get jipped on some money.

It'll be interesting to see what happens! I generally like Bowman as a GM but he hasn't been great when it comes to signing guys to second deals.