I think superstars are a whole different story. Laine got plenty of ice time last year. Copp was playing top 6. Neither ran away with the responsibilities they were given. Roslovic was unhappy about 4th line roles, he was in the top 9 all year, got PP2 time, didn't hear any complaints at all.
If the only players who moved up required a checking game, Perreault would never be in the top 9. His checking game is gone. We'd have had guys like Lipon and Suess in 4th line roles, instead of Roslovic, Petan, Dano. Right now the struggle is to find effective PKers beyond Copp, Lowry and Appleton, that's more of an issue than people want to talk about, as our skilled guys have not been very good at it. Wheeler and Connor at least produced goals to somewhat counteract their high goals against.
I think Lowry is by far the most underrated player on these boards because of advanced stats. The quality of matchups he takes and the difference he makes, while not on the scoresheet, is lost in translation. Being a prairie boy, with his dad coaching in Brandon, I'd say there is a good chance he re-signs, while Copp moves on to a place where he gets a better paycheque. Gustafsson will be allowed time to grow into a pro.