No. Surely in this case was intended to mean that if there were no offers for Kubalik at this time the best option is to keep him and hope he returns to his rookie season form. Don't give him away for nothing..
But even that is simply your opinion. It’s not a fact.
It is “reasonable” to think that if there had been an offer Chicago would have taken it.
Kubalik performed well in a key role with top 6 linemates … and then he didn’t.
He may get that back put in the right situation but there is no way Chicago is the right spot.
The Hawks have 1 real top 6 player.
Kubalik can’t carry a line. Doesn’t add speed nor toughness, not bad defensively but not shutting anyone down and isn’t a playmaker who can handle the puck a lot.
He had success in a sniper kind of role. Not in the DeBrincat class but good. The problem with that is he required others to do the work to give him opportunities. Then even with some talent around him he fell off a cliff.