If Kane comes back, they draft Bedard, and they have that cap space; I'd have to imagine they sign more free agents (Including a G), buy out Mrazek, and go for the playoffs again.

Like the ideas of trading Kane, and he might return, but not for "nostalgic " reasons.

Look I’m not that smart ok? 😂

Ya that’s just me being goofy.

But also if Reichel does well, he and Bedard are going to command a lot of money after a few seasons so they may need all this cap space.

No goofiness allowed on this site.
Yeah, I agree with you...trade UFAs at TDL, and if any want to resign at good value, that's good. Hawks just might be looking at other UFAs who might want to sign with Hawks in 2023 or 2024, so maybe just holding some cap my pay off in the future.

I would be ecstatic if we traded Kane and Toews at the deadline and they both resigned the following year. Would they be willing to resign after leaving the team? Would the hawks want them back? I really don't know. Only they can say for sure when/if that time comes. Getting Bedard to speed up the rebuild could be enticing for them to come back. Kane may want to snag some of these all time hawks records. Toews turns into Jordan Staal, the 3C leader but on a good cap hit. If you sign O'Reilly to that deal, I'd prefer shorter term, even if it meant higher AAV. They have the cap space short term. Two guys I'd like to sign if we get Bedard for short term - fill the time stints are Raanta and Haula. I don't want to get Bedard and just jump right back at it with reckless FA signings. Trust the rebuild process for another year or two after getting Bedard then start building around him. Gives time for Nazar to join. Hopefully Korchinski, Slaggert, our other first rounders or whoever else earns their spot. It's unlikely he leads the team to a cup his rookie year. But need to make sure he has decent enough linemates to build confidence and grow professionally.

I didn’t put too much thought into filling out the roster because I just wanted to share the idea of Kane returning.

However, I don’t think Toews is coming back. I think he gets traded at deadline for a prospect and a 2nd to a team looking for experience and leadership for the playoffs and he tests free agency. I can however see Kane coming back and putting up numbers and trying to catch Mikita.

That said, when I made the roster I noticed I was heavily UNDER the cap floor which is why I sought out a free UFAs and likely overpaid them. I also felt with OReilly we needed to get a legit #1 center and he fit the bill.

I’ve made a team and noticed how under the cap floor we are next year. That’s why I think Davidson bought out Connolly instead of just letting his contract end this year. I expect a mixture of cap dumps for assets and a few FA signings next year. Where was this cap space on the cup runs…

It was mismanaged…