You're wrong, period. Rarely do these situations happen where it's not a sign and trade. IF Simmonds refused to sign and was a UFA, sure you're right. That won't be the case and Simmonds signed at 6.5 holds more value than Kap. He's a nice point producer playing in an idea situation but otherwise hollow in comparison to what Simmonds brings.
Ladd for a 1st and prospect Marko Dano.
Mcdonagh last year for a 1st and a recent 2nd rounder (and namestnikov and Miller offset)
Eric Staal for 2 seconds and a B level prospect
Martin Hanzal for a 1st, 2nd and 4th.
Shattenkirk for a 1st and a couple minor leaguers.
Evander Kane for a conditional 1st and another conditional pick.
Iginla went several years ago to Pitt for a 1st and a couple college prospects.
Vermette to Chicago when the won a cup for a 1st rounder.
Rick Nash last year for Spooner and a conditional pick or two.
These are just off the top of my head for recent high profile rentals. There is ZERO template for getting a player of Kapanens caliber. NONE.
As I said the template is the same. It's a 1st, a 2nd/prospect and maybe another late pick. Same thing every year.
Sorry but you're wrong, period.