Hell no. Klinger stinks BIG time. If the Hawks acquired Klinger....they'd waive him and send him to Rockford because it looks like they need some right side help. Hawks need veteran defensive Dmen...Murph in order to help allow the rookies time to develop.

Why are the hawks adding a 2nd in this? Murphy for niemela is something I could be ok with but Robertson doesn't pay for the hawks having to take Klingberg

Salary swaps like this don't typically tend to require extra payment. It's one year of Klingberg at a time when the Hawks aren't trying to compete. If they identify a deal/return that they like for Murphy, they aren't gonna let it fall through over needing to take back some cap.

Having said that though, even though I'm kind of lukewarm on Murphy, I do think the Hawks could do better than this.

I'm not so sure on Topi. Nothing against him at all. I wish him the best of luck. I need to see him play a few NHL games before I'm taking an offensive Dman. We've got KK and Jones for that. We need 2-way Dmen and if they can't be 2-way...then defensive Dmen. I just need to make sure he can play better D than Klinger and Timmy. IDK if you've watched a lot of Leafs games this year, but they're POUNDED on that right side because neither Klinger or Timmy aren't strong enough to gain the puck once it's in their Dzone.

Leafs throw in Keefe.

Yeah i seriously doubt that Chicago is on Klingbergs 10 team no trade list.

Im honestly thinking of an idea similar to what Columbus, Philly, and LA did

So basically Chicago would get assets by 2 different teams so one wouldnt have to give up a tonne

How it would work idk

Maybe

Toronto gets Murphy
CBJ gets something for Peeke or flexibility and retains on Klingberg
Chicago gets Peeke and Klingberg to help with the tank and assets

Can help create if you want lul

I think Mikko Kokkonen is the defenseman that fits Chicago's needs. Two way and looks like he would be able to make the jump to an NHL team not looking to make the playoffs this season.

Niemela is actually more known for his defensive game. At least he was at one point. The strides taken in his offensive play since being drafted have kind of shifted the focus and how he's viewed, but he was identified by the Leafs scouting team for his defensive awareness and IQ. They thought he had some of the best "defensive instincts" in the draft. He certainly lived up to that review during the WJ's where he was top Dman but that was also where most fans got their first taste of his offensive potential as well. He just looked incredibly well rounded and that's when the hype-wagon really started rolling with him. I think it's maybe gone a bit crazy, but he's certainly an interesting case.

Kling sucks but I'd do Robertson for the cap dump in Kling. Robertson IMO is going to be a pretty solid middle 6 guy.

Topi for Murphy I'm okay with as well. Hawks can use another RHD prospect.

I threw in the 2nd going back to Toronto only because leafs fans on here need trades pretty heavily weighted in their favor to think it makes sense.

That's fair! I appreciate the feedback. I'll take a closer look.

Hawks decline that instantly! They don't make that deal even if you remove the 2nd to Toronto.

I don't agree. Remove the 2nd and the Hawks do it. Adding Robertson and Topi to the rebuild is better then a couple more seasons of Murphy who is honestly already declining.

Well we disagree for sure. Robertson can't stay healthy. Missed more games than he's played since turning pro. Two significant surgeries already. He's FAR from a certain NHL'er. And Niemela for Murphy? Hawks aren't making that trade. Niemela is no sure thing either.

Meanwhile, Murphy is declining and will be unmoveable after next season. Topi is no sure thing, but neither are most prospects. We are weak at RHD in our prospect pool, Topi helps that (we only have 2 decent prospects). Without retention on Murphy meaning we keep our retention slot, I'll take my shot on Topi.

Robertson is playing really well in the AHL so far. He has a lot of talent but the injuries are a concern of course, BUT we are only taking Kling for 1 season.

Nope. Didn't convince me. Not close. I'm fine w/ Murphy playing out his contract if this is the best return Hawks get. The '24 draft is looking to be LOADED with good D prospects. And need I mention, the likelihood that Kyle from Chicago is making a trade for another teams young prospects instead of picks is minimal. Hasn't done it yet. Don't see Kyle having interest in Niemela unless he shows he can actually defend in his own end playing in North America. And undersized, injury prone Robertson? Hawks need a couple of high skill forwards w/ some size. Every guy can't be under 6 foot tall. Sorry, but I just don't see this as a deal the Hawks would make.

This an easy no for the Hawks.

Niemela is a B level prospect at best; for an undersized d-man to make it as an impactful NHLer you need to be exceptional at something, he isn’t.

Robertson has moved from prospect to suspect, he is an injury waiting to happen.

If the Hawks are giving up Murphy and taking Klingberg, start with Toronto’s 1st round pick.

On the contrary, you didn't convince me...not close. I know some Hawks fans really elevate Murphy from the two good seasons he did have with the Hawks when we first got him, but he's simply declining...was not good last year and doesn't look like he's rebounded much this year, and most importantly he has no long term value. Hawks need to move him between now and the TDL in 2025 leaving a little more then a season left while he can still play a 2nd line role for a competing team (he's no 1st liner that's for sure). Hanging on to assets like him that aren't a part of the long term picture versus trading for assets that could be is poor management.

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