I would call that an excellent package.....

However, if McCabe is a target and knowing other clubs are going to be in on this - I have to think moving a D is necessary, maybe even one of the covered RD.

I say that being of the build from the net out school of thought, so take that for what it is worth

I do like Thomas. I'm not sure if he ever gets beyond being a tweener, though. As far as McCabe, it looks like his stock is rising pretty heavily. There was supposedly some recent speculation by Pierre LeBrun of him bringing back a 1st+ without retention. Which, I have always though that should be the price anyway, but that teams might be less willing to bite at this time due to various factors. I'm not gonna hold my breath, but usually, if he says something, it is at least somewhat realistic.

I don't think Thomas is gonna cut it in this case. Is he even healthy yet or getting close?

He's working back into shape, but clearly not there yet. In line with what @swinny said, maybe a better package is Spence or Grans plus the 2024 first (no fourth).

Well, rumour has it the Leafs are in on this, and I would go as far as a 2024 1st and Neimela for McCabe at 50% retained.

Neimela remains a project (which may lime up better for the Hawks?🤷‍♂️) but Spence is excellent and is NHL ready.

Hawks choice really....

Yeah. Maybe. But if LeBrun is right, it might take an even better piece than one of them to get retention on top of it. Changing the 1st to 2023 would probably help, though.

Maybe Spence and the 2023 1st for McCabe with 50% retained. I'm pretty down on Niemela this year. Not really interested in him. But I'm no scout. So, who knows.

Not sure I agree.

With Teows and Kane coming off the books, this team is going to be skating the basement - and moving McCabe underscores the point.

Now, I realize that Chicago can go sign a UFA and all is good, but as a GM, I hold strong.

A 2024 1st and Spence is a helluva return even with retention.

I like this more than the trade with Thomas. Would accept.

More then sure McCabe has the power to choose where he goes and I’m sure Friedman said he won’t waive for anywhere in Canada but Seravalli contests that

Depends on who you trust more, I trust Friedman more so yeah

Maybe. But if that is the case I would still rather take the 2023 1st with a lesser prospect or equivalent pick than Spence with the 2024 1st. I am not as high on Spence as a lot of people seem to be. But I am also not CHI's GM, who might like Spence more than I do.

Well a 7 team No Trade List is a pretty strong indicator
..... and I trust Friedman waaaaaaaaaaay more.

Well really the Kings RD is deeper than the Marianas Trench, so there are options, and at the end of the day, high on him or not, I think Spence flushes out. Dougherty, Durzi, Roy, Walker, Clarke..... lol.

I think the point is when Spence is stacked against THAT, he seems underwhelming. I for one think the 2024 is enough. He has the game. Just definitely down the depth chart.

Hawks would be heavily pushing for the 2023 pick, and LA would probably have to give it if they really want a D upgrade because i'm sure other team will give their 2023 1st (TOR?)

It's not necessarily that Spence seems underwhelming, I just don't think he would be a fit in CHI. If we didn't have Jones I would be more willing to go after offensive defenseman. Idk, though. I'm not super familiar with him. Maybe there would be something our GM likes about his game and fits his vision.