Chicago Blackhawks desperately trying to deal two players before draft

The Blackhawks have backed themselves into somewhat of a corner, given that it's practically common knowledge that they don't plan to issue a qualifying offer to either player by the deadline Sunday. By next Wednesday, they likely both will be unrestricted free agents.

That's because of several reasons. Strome's qualifying offer would come in at $3.6 million and Kubalik's at $4 million, both potentially above fair market value. Strome, 25, and Kubalik, a month from turning 27, won't still be in their primes when the Hawks try to contend again in a few years. And both can be significant offensive contributors when hot, which would be counterintuitive to the Hawks' tanking.

The only advantages for another team trading for Strome or Kubalik would be the opportunity to sign him to an extension in the next few days or to give him a qualifying offer Sunday — at the aforementioned price — and figure out an extension later this summer.

In Kubalik's case, it's really just the former because it's unlikely that any team would be willing to pay him $4 million coming off his highly disappointing 32-point season in 2021-22.

Kubalik's value had already dropped at the time, and the Hawks likely hoped he eventually would find his game again. Strome never received much trade interest all season long, sources said, despite the Hawks' continued efforts to shop him.

Hawks GM Kyle Davidson should have moved both at the last trade deadline and took the best offer. With very little leverage I would be surprised if teams offer anything at all knowing their is a very good chance they will be UFAs on July 13th.