A first

It took a 2nd to dump Bailey who only had 1 year left

Lee has more term and higher cap hit (even though it doesn’t matter to the Blackhawks)

I think you’ve underestimated the cost to move Lee’s contract. With two years remaining at $7m per it will be difficult to find available dance partners without retention and most of the teams that can afford to take on his cap hit are bottom feeders in the midst of a rebuild. The good news is Lee’s buyout hit isn’t too bad $1.75m for four years.

For comparison purposes, last year the Hawks took Bailey’s contract with one season and a $5m cap hit remaining. The buyout cost Chicago $3.83m over two years. The Islanders sent the Hawks a 2nd round pick for the cap help and received SFA in return.

Given the fact Lee will cost the acquiring team a $7m cap hit for two season and $10.35m in actual $ should they decide to keep him through the end of his contract or buy him out for $6.9m it will cost at least a 1st round or 2 x 2nd round picks based on the price set last summer. Now if the Hawks decide they need another contract to get to the cap floor perhaps they take him for a 2nd round pick and a mid to late round selection but make no bones about it, the Hawks will be sending back exactly what they did for Bailey… maybe double if Lou asks nicely. 😜

Lee and Pulock for Schmidt, Kupari and MTL 2nd

I think a deal could be done for a 2nd & 3rd round pick with Lee for FC.