From a fan's perspective, I respect Rockwell Wirtz's attitude towards his team and his fans. It is pretty clear (or ought to be), that it isn't really about the money. I suspect, all things being equal, that if there was no salary cap- that the Hawks would be spending even more money on the team to achieve like results.
Olesz, well sure as a player he was a non-factor... but as a financial chip, he was pretty valuable, since they were not relying on him actually doing anything... and in a sense it is a little like salary cap Rope-A-Dope ... you got 3.125 mil tied up in a non-factor, which means that you know that you have that flexibility to move that money off the cap and maybe are looking to get a more effective player.
To paraphrase Stephen Colbert.... top 6 winger, please
preferably top line but serviceable 2nd line guy with some mobility would work too.
I like how Quenneville was non-commital when asked about that roster spot. . . not really a given that a Rockford promotion is automatic.