Trading our best defensive defenseman and our best defensive forward for picks and an ok defenseman. barely any cap relief also. straight up horrible \

^Yeah, I hear ya, bud! If Trouba came over instead for Hjalmarsson at a Myers-type cap hit, would that be a possibility? With the two highest cap hits in the NHL already, paying $3M for a 4th liner is asinine. As I ponder the Hawks future, my biggest concern is extending Panarin. The first year of his next deal most likely will cost the Hawks $9M, including overage bonuses. How exactly does that work without a major cut or two?

How about Hjalmarsson and Kruger (Together they make like $7mill+) for just Trouba? Blackhawks add a conditional 1st rounder as well.

The Hawks can make a major cut or two as you (Graderman) suggests. But even on Winnipeg or most teams Kruger is a 3m + third liner. Hardly unlikely he can be traded without money coming back in return.
I really don't see any way out of the Hawks cap dilemma. Too many guys are making the big money and have NTCs and their isn't the cash available for young studs. Best scenario trade Panarin next summer for young guys on ELCs and hope they develop.

The Hammer for Myers trade make zero sense. Hammer is one of the most cost controlled players on the Blackhawks and there really is no reason for him to be traded. Even if it is Hammer for Trouba its not really that great of a deal for the Hawks because they will likely be taking on more salary with a new contract for Trouba. We all know the Hawks need less salary not more.

I think every Hawks fan on this site knows my opinion on Kruger. Not bad value on a trade with him though. They will struggle badly on defense with the lines you have set. Not to mention the lack a PKers.