As I've said before, elsewhere:
FL is not gonna deal Barkov unless there is enough overall profit incl long term
'equal' value will not cut it
shoe on the other foot, trade partner gutting its club to get a deal cuts the nose to spite the face, not desirable.
historic precedent is something like Lindros deal, which Rangers can approximate:
2 1sts this year, + primo young asset (Deangelo) + other desirable components [more desirable adds and taking on some of FL undesirable contracts].
FL has to make honest eval if better to keep Barkov now or wait 2 years and then he is UFA and looking at 11m or more salary. If not tied up long term before for such $, he is a productive rental, but he is still a rental without term.
Thus logic suggests he is worth more now than later.
Whether or not that is enough of a plus to be worth more than Barkov production to Panthers now is a dif ? for FL to consider.