Caps decline - would rather just hold on to Kuzy for that return

Why would Chicago want Matheson?

Good offensive LHD to pair with Jones.

This is awful. Stick to the Jets, your favorite team. Stay away from the Hawks.

Awful? No important future pieces traded and the team is considerably better right away.

Why does everyone on this site insist that the rebuild is over. It has begun, and I'd rather use those 2nd round picks for prospects or a trade up for better 1st round picks in coming drafts. Colton Dach is regarded well in the system and he will not be a stud, but the team likes his progress.

Matheson just blocks the path of the number of LHD prospects the Hawks have. Kuznetsov has 2 years left and does not fit the timeline for the Hawks. Plus where is Reichel in your lineup?

Wouldn't take Kuznetsov for free at this point. Matheson doesn't do much but block the LD side that Chicago is obviously leaving open for their prospects. Chicago is not at a point where they should start trading picks and prospects for minimal gains

Montreal is not trading away their no1 D montreal native for a 2nd, 1 pretty good prospect and a meh prospect

Montreal isn't trading away Matheson for Dach and a 2nd. And Hawks wouldn't trade those pieces for Matheson. Jones needs a strong defensive partner to complement him on top pair. Not another offensive guy. Reichel will be the LW on the 2nd line. Meaning either AA or Tyler Johnson are playing C on that line. No spot for Kuzy. Not sure Hawks want his baggage in their room either. Hawks don't make either of these moves.

I don’t think either Chicago or Washington does that deal and the Hawks definitely don’t do the trade with Montreal.

LOL, Matheson is a top pair defenseman on a very very good contract, this isn't even remotely close to his value or his value to montreal as a montreal native

The premise is intriguing and shows how easy it would be for CHI to throw a wrench in the rebuild and start trying to get back into the playoffs prematurely. But, the execution leaves much to be desired. They could do much better with the assets being spent in the manner you proposed. Regardless, CHI isn't doing anything like this. There is no reason, whatsoever, for them to stop rebuilding.