I have to think there are more moves coming though. Phillips probably isn't making the team. Nazar/Slaggert probably spends a year in Rockford getting used to being professionals. Not to say they won't get a chance to make the NHL club...just that Mikheyev isn't likely the big move this offseason. There will be someone else brought in.

This team looks on paper like a slight improvement but also this is another bottom 3 team and I don’t think that’s the goal this season. Mikheyev helps the bottom 6 but they need a bottom pair RD, a top 6 RW and possibly a back up goalie.

The Hawks definitely need a RD signing. Phillips really doesn't project to be anything more than a 7th defenseman. Having him skate with Kaiser isn't ideal for Kaiser's development, but we definitely need a RD so that Korchinski and Vlasic aren't one injury away from playing on a line with Phillips.

I expect 2-3 more moves. My hope is that this most recent trade is the least significant of all the acquisitions.