Niskanen by a fairly wide margin because he is the more proven player (and let's not forget) pretty highly touted himself when he came into the league / before he had that really bad sophomore year in Dallas. Dallas basically gave up on him too early or didn't have the coaching to bring him back to life.
I have no clue how anyone can say Despres. It is typical HF boards mentality. Prospects >>>>>> established players. Sure you hope that someday Despres exceeds what Niskanen does, but it is far from a sure thing. Niskanen can step in right now and a GM knows what he's got, and at his age he still has upside. In the real world that GM's live in Niskanen will get you more 100 times out of 100.
I think, like most pens prospects, fans wildly overrate Despres. He used to be untouchable like Malkin and Sid. Now people would likely trade him for Setoguchi. I still think Despres has a tiny bit more value, but it's a toss up. Tough call really.
sounds familiar...
Despres for the simple reason that one team may really believe that he has a huge upside as compared to Niskanen.
You're not suggesting I'm giving up on Elmer because (in the other thread) I don't consider him to be worth "considerably more" than a 2013 1st round pick, are you? Elmer is the man; I'm excited to see him play more. I just don't think (today) he's more valuable than Niskanen is. That could easily change in six months or a year if Elmer gets back into the line up and kicks some ass.