Why would JBB do that?

Simple answer he wouldn't

Jeannot might take that $ for a year or two, but not 4. Same for Killorn. He might take that $ for next season, but not for 5.

Hawks would have interest in Colton, but not for what is most likely a top 40 pick in the '24 draft. Maybe Tampa gets their '23 2nd and another lower pick? Or that '23 2nd and a cheap roster player.

Yeah. I honestly don't even think CHI would have interest in Colton period, let alone for any long term purpose that would necessitate a 2nd round pick. I like him but it makes more sense for a contender to spend assets and target him, not CHI. We have a lot of guys who project into a similar role and will have even more on the way over the next few years.

Hawks are not doing that. That 4th is a pick in the top 100 this draft and that 2nd is likely in the low 30's. Hawks are rebuilding and only reason Tampa is even remotely considering trading Colton is cause he needs to start getting paid. While the Hawk can certainly afford to pay him, the question for a rebuilding team is why would they AND pay decent assets? Colton does not move the needle in the least for what the Hawks will be the next couple seasons....best case moving from terrible this year to bad the following but certainly not good. By the time a piece like Colton might have any use, he'll be ready to REALLY want to get paid as a UFA. Hawks are way better off using those picks to find their very own Colton type of player on an ELC ready to play in a 2 or 3 years out when the higher Hawk dradt picks the last few and next few drafts are starting to arrive.

He's a really good player. I've lived in FL the past 4 years and Tampa is my "home" team now. Watched and attended a ton of Lightning games. Can play C or W. Good at the dot. Plays physical and hits. Noticeable every game. He's a very underappreciated player. I'd put him in the Hawks top 6 from day 1. I realize he's 26 and maybe doesn't fit the timeline but we gotta have somebody to play w/ Bedard and Reichel next season.

No friggin way TB does it for less in fact that's an underpayment.

For sure. I didn't say he wasn't good. But, Tampa wouldn't do it and CHI shouldn't do it at that price. There are plenty of UFA's or cheaper acquisitions they can bring in. Stay the course.

Fair enough. I'll get off my soapbox now and move on!!

No worries, mate! I get it. The temptation to go out and spend is real. haha