That's a fair argument. How about if the Hawks staple Seabrook AND Hossa's contract? I know the LTIR exists for Hossa ... but it still handcuffs our books in the off season.
I realize the 7th pick is valuable. However, how many top 5-10 picks really hit? With $10mn+ dollars of cap space, the Hawks can do some damage in the FA market. Furthermore, if it doesn't work out ... a potential amnesty clause (if he can't be traded) can be used on a certain center if he doesn't get his butt in gear. That will put our rebuilding efforts on hyper drive.
Are the Hawks rebuilding or is our window shut? Being in the middle is not the place to be.
In this draft, I would say most will.
And I agree, being in the middle isn't the place to be. But they have a decent amount of cap space to make a small splash this offseason, and they have what could potentially be a top 5 pick this draft... a really deep draft for the 1st round, from what I've read. With the potential to land a star. Especially if they move up via lottery.
I say wait and see if a buyout comes in a year. Deal with Seabs for one more season and see what happens. Seabs, when utilized correctly, is still a serviceable D. Just has too high a cap hit. If he is played under 15 mins a night, he has been solid. Q needs to actually do it, though, but that's a whole different discussion.