What could a Johnny Gaudreau trade look like?

The good news is Gaudreau has among the highest offensive production of anybody that’s been moved in the last couple seasons – Hall and Kessel are the most direct comparables in terms of sheer production.

The fact that Gaudreau has term left works for the trade value, I imagine. If somebody has, say, four seasons left, that’s a lot of term to live with. What if the player sucks? Then you’re stuck with ’em. But two seasons of Gaudreau at $6.75 million is a very good value when you consider what he can do on the ice.

Now, the cap hit combined with the flat salary cap for the next few seasons probably increases the possibility that the Flames would land a roster player back for Gaudreau – logistically, it’s either take a player back or eat some cap on Gaudreau’s contract to help the other team make things work.

Based on the recent trades, the market value would likely be a roster player (probably a second or third liner), a top prospect, and a first round pick. If the Flames can’t get that, they probably shouldn’t bother making a trade.